The document summarizes the Estuary Planning Partnership set up in Suffolk to improve communication and understanding between local communities and agencies responsible for coastal management and flood planning. The partnership was established in response to a lack of trust between these groups. It includes over 20 organizations representing local interests and government agencies. Having a paid estuary officer to support the partnership has enabled it to achieve more by coordinating actions, bringing in expertise, and advocating for the community. The partnership serves as a forum to facilitate information exchange and involves a wide range of stakeholders in decision-making.
The document summarizes the Estuary Planning Partnership set up in Suffolk to improve communication and understanding between local communities and agencies responsible for coastal management and flood planning. The partnership was established in response to a lack of trust between these groups. It includes over 20 organizations representing local interests and government agencies. Having a paid estuary officer to support the partnership has enabled it to achieve more by coordinating actions, bringing in expertise, and advocating for the community. The partnership serves as a forum to facilitate information exchange and involves a wide range of stakeholders in decision-making.
The document summarizes the Estuary Planning Partnership set up in Suffolk to improve communication and understanding between local communities and agencies responsible for coastal management and flood planning. The partnership was established in response to a lack of trust between these groups. It includes over 20 organizations representing local interests and government agencies. Having a paid estuary officer to support the partnership has enabled it to achieve more by coordinating actions, bringing in expertise, and advocating for the community. The partnership serves as a forum to facilitate information exchange and involves a wide range of stakeholders in decision-making.
in decision-making Throughout the UK a recurring concerned that the interests of those Having a paid estuary officer to problem when managing the coast is who live by, work or use the river for support the group has been essential, a lack of trust and understanding recreation were not being adequately enabling more to be achieved. The between the community and external represented in flood management officer delivers any actions identified agencies responsible for decision reviews taking place in the area. by the group, brings in experience making. This problem has been from other estuaries and expertise in keenly felt in the case of the flood In 2002, The Suffolk Coast & Heaths coastal management, and acts as an management strategy reviews that the Unit obtained an independent advocate for the Partnership. Environment Agency is conducting perspective from external consultants around the country. It’s clear that with a key recommendation to provide Value of the Estuary Planning communication and consultation are a forum for local communities and Partnership for the Alde and Ore vital for new planning and statutory authorities to communicate. “…a key role in improving management but, how do we go communication and about this? The Estuary Planning Who’s involved? understanding between all those Partnership set up in Suffolk is an The partnership is made up of over 20 who live near, work on or enjoy excellent example of public organisations. The steering group, led the estuary…..”. engagement in the local issue of flood by Suffolk Coast and Heaths Unit, David Andren, The Alde and Ore Association. management, giving real includes volunteers representing local empowerment to individuals. Erin towns and parishes, sailing clubs and What key things have made the Pettifer speaks to Bill Parker about this lobby groups as well as representatives partnership a success? partnership. from government agencies, 1 External perspective sought. landowners and conservation bodies. 2 Spent year working towards consensus Why was this partnership Initial funding came from the Alde on group’s remit. set up? and Ore Association, Suffolk Coast 3 Wider community endorsement and The Alde and Ore on the Suffolk coast and Heaths Unit and Suffolk Coastal support sought through a community is protected through a range of District Council among others. conference. international and national 4 Meetings and the partnership in general designations and is greatly valued by What is the value of the group? run in an open and honest manner, and local people. The community was The group acts as a discussion forum everyone’s views heard. and facilitates the exchange of 5 Met on neutral ground. information about estuary issues 6 Ensured real tasks to take forward after between the community and the meetings. decision makers. The analogy is that 7 Interested community members used to it acts as an old fashioned telephone drive group forward. exchange, making connections and 8 Time spent brainstorming who ought to managing the communication of be involved to ensure all unterests information. represented.
The partnership has improved The Estuary Planning Partnership is a
understanding of the issues and facts model for real community and encouraged people to see things involvement but it is not without its from others’ viewpoints. It has also costs and it is a long-term investment. prompted innovative thinking and If it can retain its credibility, at the enabled a wide range of people to be local level and with the wider involved in decision-making and agencies, it should have a future but genuinely drive forward issues. will the commitment from the various Shingle Street, The Alde-Ore Estuary, Suffolk. ‘powers’ stay the course?