2. Background Volume One means that the methods contained in the MEP but not currently reflected in the LTP could be included in the future. Other strategies and plans There are a number of national strategies drawn up by central government and its agencies prepared under other Acts. A council is required to have regard to such management plans and strategies when preparing or changing a regional policy statement or plan to the extent that their content has a bearing on resource management issues of the District. They assist in the identification of natural and physical resource management issues, choices made at a national level and priorities for action if New Zealand is to reach goals for the future, and often contain objectives. Some of the documents and strategies considered by the Council in the development of the MEP include the New Zealand Energy Strategy to 2050 (2007), the New Zealand Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy (2007), the Regional Renewable Energy Assessment for the Marlborough (2006), the New Zealand Urban Design Protocol (2006) and National Priorities for Action for Protecting Biodiversity on Private Land (2007). Similarly, the Marlborough Regional Land Transport Plan has contributed to policies and methods on infrastructure and energy, urban form and reverse sensitivity. A number of statutes can also be thought of as companions to the RMA in that their purpose can be interpreted as further supporting the sustainable management of natural and physical resources (e.g. the Conservation Act and the Reserves Act) or have some other relationship with resource management functions (e.g. the Civil Defence Emergency Management Act and the Biosecurity Act). At a local level, other strategies and visions have been developed by the Council in response to matters including economic development and future growth. These have not been prepared in terms of being required under particular statutes, but are in response to perceived needs for guiding Marlborough's development and growth. In particular, the Marlborough Urban Growth Strategy, “Growing Marlborough,” has provided the basis for the policies and methods on urban form, growth management and infrastructure. The strategy has been prepared in three parts: the Blenheim Town Centre Project; the North Marlborough Project; and the South Marlborough Project. Collectively, the outcomes have focussed on ecological sustainability, appropriate areas for residential growth, identifying areas to cater for employment growth, stronger town centres, strong communities, public open spaces and future proofing transport networks. A vision developed by the Council in response to Marlborough's future economic progression signals that “Over the next decade, Marlborough will become a globally-connected district of progressive, high-value enterprise, known for our economic efficiency, quality lifestyle, desirable location and natural environmen t." Marlborough will be “smart and connecte d.” The vision recognises that the economic performance of the District depends on many factors, including physical infrastructure and the management of natural resources. The MEP therefore complements the “smart and connected” vision by enabling people to use and develop natural and physical resources in appropriate ways. By doing so, the Council seeks to create conditions for economic growth to occur, as long as that growth is environmentally sustainable. Issues that cross local authority boundaries Section 62(h) of the RMA requires the Council to identi fy processes to be used in dealing with issues that cross local authority boundaries, between territorial authorities or between regions. For the administrative purposes of local government and resource management, the Council is a unitary authority, having the powers and functions of both a regional and district council. This situation reduces the potential for cross boundary issues, but does not completely avoid them. 2 – 8