3. Reducing Marlborough’s Hazard Risks 3.1 Overview Risk reduction is the process of “Identifying and analysing long-term risks to human life and property from hazards; taking steps to eliminate these risks if practicable, and, if not, reducing the magnitude of their impact and the likelihood of their occurring” (National CDEM Strategy 2007). The purpose of CDEM is to manage hazard risks (as far as practicable) within acceptable levels, balancing the costs and benefits achieved with consideration of the communities’ priorities for reducing risk. 3.1.1 Principles The Marlborough CDEM Group risk reduction principles are: Integrated planning and risk management is accepted as the basis for comprehensive risk reduction. Successful comprehensive risk reduction requires a collaborative, multi-agency and all of government approach. A range of policy, regulatory, service delivery and self-help arrangements supported by agencies at local, regional and national level contributing to risk reduction initiatives. A focus on effects or outcomes of activities that may result in undue risk rather than the regulation of the hazard or activity per se. 3.1.2 Issues and Priorities The CDEM Group Plan has identified the following issues relating to risk reduction: Tsunami evacuation plans for coastal communities at risk need to be developed. The consequence of a large tsunami on lifelines utilities is not clearly understood. The Lifelines Group need to complete an Infrastructure Vulnerability Plan for the District. Support nationally-driven educational programmes and local initiatives for local issues. Complete hazard assessments of possible areas for residential zoning around Blenheim. The Group needs to undertake more exercises that test reduction and recovery measures are needed. Organisational resilience and business continuity planning and the wider community are lacking. There is a need to place greater emphasis on fast moving consumer goods due to the vulnerability of road and rail links. Water storage facilities for primary producers need to be built. Remedial work required to earthquake prone buildings in Marlborough not completed. Evaluating the building stock in Marlborough as required under the Building Amendment Act 2016 needs to be planned and completed. CDEM staff developing closer working relationships with the Council regulatory section. Hazard reduction policies in the Marlborough Environment Plan need progressing. Marlborough Civil Defence Emergency Management Plan, 2017-2022 Page 28