2. Zuid-Holland: Smarter,
Cleaner, Powerful
The province Zuid-Holland (Southern Holland) is an active,
diverse province with 3.5 million inhabitants, living in an area of
about 3,000 square kilometres. As such it is the densest populated
province of the Netherlands. It is the place in which almost a
quarter of the Dutch national income is earned.
Zuid-Holland’s target is to make the province a smarter, cleaner and more powerful
place. That is why the authority continuously works on improving the environment,
the place in which people live, work, travel and spend their leisure time. During the
process, the province is receptive to suggestions from the public at large and
developments of life in society. It cooperates with those involved in developments in
urban and rural areas as well.
Zuid-Holland is ambitiously doing its core business. As such, its targets are proper
accessibility, optimal planning of the scarce space, nature enhancement, conservation
of heritage in general, a clean environment, high quality of local authorities in the
province and providing opportunities for businesses.
The province’s focus is on innovation in so-called top sectors, transition of energy and
the new economy of sharing, digital work and sustainability. Zuid-Holland has
universities in Leiden, Delft and Rotterdam and large knowledge centres linked to
these universities. Examples of these are the Leiden Bio Science Park and Science
Port Holland in Delft.
On top of that, the economic activity in Zuid-Holland is enormously large.
1
3. Besides all that, Zuid-Holland is also known for its quietness and
emptiness, large rural areas, rivers, polders with windmills, lakes, dunes
and beautiful sand beaches. The wonderful old Dutch towns and cities,
and their historical centres should be mentioned as well.
Zuid-Holland really is an extremely attractive province. Keeping it that
way and improving it wherever possible; precisely that is the province’s
contingency plan.
Jaap Smit,
King’s Commissioner
Zuid-Holland: Smarter, Cleaner, Powerful
2
4. Facts
Den Haag
Capital
55
Members of the provincial
council
14,800 km
Road network
3,500,000
Inhabitant
1,687,000
workforce
228
Windmills
1,600,000
houses
60
municipalities
143 km
Inland waterways
2,815 km²
Land surface
535 km
Provincial roads
2,930,000
Hotel guests
257,000
Businesses
553
Industrial estates
1,400,000
Foreign
visitors
3
5. The provincial executive
board in action
Binding governmental body
The province is a governmental body, just as the national government
and municipalities are. The province is right in between the national
government and the municipalities: literary speaking ‘management in the
middle’. The authorities collaborate. The province’s core business is in
the fields of space, economy, mobility, nature, water, cultural heritage
and administrative framework.
Provincial organisation
The provincial executive board and official support work from the
Province House in The Hague and in branch offices in the region.
Workers on location construct or management of roads and waterways,
or operation of bridges and locks. The Provincial Secretary, acting as
managing director, heads the organisation.
Almost 1,500 workers at the province execute provincial tasks. The
province promotes exchange of staff between other authorities,
institutions and businesses.
Visiting address
Provinciehuis Zuid-Holland
Zuid-Hollandplein 1, 2596 AW Den Haag
Postal address
Provincie Zuid-Holland
P.O. Box 90602, 2509 LP Den Haag
Customer Service Centre, telephone +31 (0)70 441 66 22.
Please go to Contact at www.zuid-holland.nl for information about all
provincial addresses and telephone numbers.
4
6. The province Zuid-Holland in action
Provincial Council
Every four years voting inhabitants of Zuid-Holland can go to the polls to
cast their ballots to the 55 members of the Provincial Council (PS). The
Provincial Council meets in the Provincial House monthly.
The provincial council members establish the broad terms in policy and
oversee the General Board, and the Provincial Executive Board. The
Provincial Council can be compared with the position municipality
councils hold.
Meetings of the Provincial Council are open for those interested. They can
be watched via the PS website http://staten.zuid-holland.nl
There are four committees consisting of members of the PS, each of them
sees to a part of the provincial work area.
Please go to http://staten.zuid-holland.nl / for an updated overview of political parties in the Provincial
Council, its members and meeting documents.
5
Four provincial committees
Space and Habitants
Traffic management and Environment
Management and Means
Sustainable development
7. Statengriffier
Commissaris
van de Koning
Spreekgestoelte
Dhr. R.H. van Luijk Dhr. J. Smit
Dhr. H. van Dieren
(SGP en ChristenUnie)
Mw. I.S. Balootje
(SGP en ChristenUnie)
Dhr. S. Stoop
(SGP en ChristenUnie)
Dhr. C.H. Schaapman
(SGP en ChristenUnie)
Dhr. W.C. Scheurwater
(SGP en ChristenUnie)
Dhr. C. van der Velden
(SGP en ChristenUnie)
Dhr. G.J. Zwerus
(Fractie PVV)
Mw. T.F. Dulfer
(PVV)
Interruptiebalie
Dhr. T.P. Kok
(PVV)
Dhr. E.G.T Braam
(PVV)
Dhr. H.W.H. Groenendijk
(PVV)
Dhr. B. Prive
(PVV)
Dhr. J.H. de Vree
(PVV)
Dhr. J.W.A. Struijlaard
(50Plus)
Dhr. J.J. Rijken
(PVV)
Dhr. W.M. Bakx
(50Plus)
Dhr. M.A.C de Haan
(CDA)
Dhr. H.S. van der Bent
(CDA))
Dhr. M. Çetin
(CDA)
Dhr. P.J. Rijken
(CDA)
Mw. R.M.L. Nelisse
(VVD) Dhr. J. van
Staalduinen
(VVD)
Mw. P.J.H.D. Verkoelen
(CDA)
Legenda
Dhr. M. Stolk
(CDA)
10 VVD
8 PVV
7 CDA
Legenda
7 D66
6 CU & SGP
5 PvdA
5 SP
3 GroenLinks
2 50Plus
2 Partij voor de Dieren
Mw. M. Kip
(CDA)
Dhr. R.F. Weide
(VVD) Mw. C.M.C.
van den Berg
(VVD)
Dhr. T.L.Brill
(VVD)
10 VVD 6 CU & SGP 2 50Plus
8 PVV
6 7 CDA
5 PvdA
5 SP
2 Partij voor de Dieren
Floor Plan Coucil Hall Please
go to http://staten.zuid-holland.nl/
for an updated overview of political
parties in the Provincial Council and
the members involved.
8. M
Gedeputeerden The province Zuid-Holland in action
Dhr. R.A.M. Dhr. H. Weber Mw. A.W. Dhr. R.A. Dhr. F. Vermeulen
van der Sande
(VVD)
(D66) Bom-Lemstra
(CDA)
Janssen
(SP)
(VVD)
Vrije stoel Dhr. J. Slooter
(SP)
Mw. H. Sahin
(GroenLinks)
Dhr. B.K. Potjer
(GroenLinks)
Mw. A. van Hunnik
(GroenLinks)
Dhr. W.A. Minderhout
(PvdA)
Mw.N.K.O. Matil (PvdA)
Mw. A.H.K. van Viegen (Partij
voor de Dieren)
Dhr. B. Canton
(Partij voor de Dieren)
Mw. R. van Aelst (SP)
Dhr. P.L. Vermeulen
(SP)
Dhr. F.J. Hoogendam (SP)
Mw. M.L. Soares
(SP)
Dhr. M. Çelik
(PvdA)
Mw.A.L. Koning (PvdA)
Dhr. R. Hillebrand
(PvdA)
Dhr.
F.A. Paymans
(VVD)
Dhr. S. Kasmi
(D66)
Dhr. M.W. Ludema
(VVD)
Mw. A. Wijbenga
(D66)
Dhr. G. Wenneker (D66)
Mw. J.M.A. Meurs (D66)
Mw. J.N. Bade
(D66)
Dhr. P.V.F.L. Breitbarth
(D66)
Mw. M.I. van
Dobben de
Bruijn
(VVD)
Dhr.
S.A. Kurvers
(VVD)
Mw. L. Bonnevits –
de Jong
(VVD)
w. H.R. Oosterop-van Leussen
(D66)
7
9. Provincial Executives
The Provincial Executive Council accounts for the day-to-day
management of the province. The Provincial Executives are elected by
Provincial Council to hold office for a period of four years. The
Provincial Executives execute policy and are accountable for that to
the Provincial council. During the period 2015 – 2019 the Provincial
Executive Council consists of five Provincial Executives and the
King’s Commissioner.
They meet every Tuesday, none of the meetings are open. The
Provincial Executive Council can be compared with a council of
Mayor and Aldermen at municipalities.
Allocation Executive Council in 2015 -
2019
2 Liberal Party VVD
1 Democratic Party D66
1 Christian Democrats CDA
1 Socialist Party SP
King’s Commissioner
King’s Commissioner Jaap Smit chairs both the Provincial Council and
the Provincial Executive Council. He acts as a binding factor between the
general management and the Provincial Council. The Commissioner is
responsible for keeping law and order in Zuid-Holland. He recommends
in the appointment procedures for mayors and advises when the King’s
Honours are to be awarded.
The Commissioner is appointed by the King for a period of six years, and
can be reappointed after that period of time.
8
10. Portfolio Provincial Executive Council 2015 - 2019
Please go to www.zuid-holland.nl/gs to find more information about the Provincial
Executives and their duties, and/or subscribe to the digital weekly newsletter, follow us
on Twitter and Facebook. It’s the way to stay informed about decisions of the
Provincial Executive Council.
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The province Zuid-Holland in action
11. Income and expenditure 2015
The province Zuid-Holland holds an annual budget of €700 million to
fund execution of its tasks. National government provides the major
part of this budget. Zuid-Holland’s motorists contribute annually to the
provincial budget through circulation taxes.
Budget in a glance
Estimated expenditure 2015 (amount x € 1,000)
GREEN SPACE & WATER
€ 155,986
MOBILITY &
ENVIRONMENT € 369,221
SPATIAL PLANNING
HOUSING
ECONOMY
€ 62,938
GOVERNANCE,
SOCIETY
€ 71.428
INTEGRAL SPATIAL
PROJECTS
€ 2,408
More information about the provincial budget? Please go to www.begrotingzuidholland.nll
10
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12. This Executive Council invests substantially in knowledge intensive
economy, clean energy and greenery. Alleviation of financial burden of
inhabitants and businesses. Zuid-Holland will become smarter, cleaner
and more powerful. Please read the coalition agreement ‘Zuid-Holland
smarter, cleaner and more powerful’ to find out in what way it is to be
materialised.
11
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What’s
the
province’
s
business?
Zuid-Holland is
ambitiously doing its
core business. As
such, its targets are
proper accessibility,
optimal planning of
the scarce space,
nature enhancement,
conservation of
heritage in general, a
clean environment,
high quality of local
authorities in the
province and
providing
opportunities for
businesses. The
province and its
partners take up the
challenge.
13. 12
Fast institution of a transport authority
Increase d free movement on the Rotterdam network.
Realisation of dedicated good railway track onto
Belgium.
Increased external safety for goods transportation on
railways through cities.
One overall public transport account throughout the
province.
Survey of expansion of public transport on inland
waterways
A ‘Blue Surf’ for optimum throughput of professional
transport on water and road.
Decrease of additional provincial taxes for motorists.
Budget for renewal and maintenance of ferry
connections.
The province aims at offering
travellers optimum comfort and
safety, in order to allow them to
reach their destination safe and
sound.
It also aims at attracting more
passengers to public transport,
more goods via inland waterways,
more efficient use of existing and
new roads, and more cyclists.
.
12
Mobility / TrafficandTransportation.
One of the most important tasks the province has, is taking care of good
traffic management. Zuid-Holland is an international nodal point of
transportation. Flows of goods from ports and industrial area, and
agricultural and horticultural produce go in and out of this province. Quite
a number of people commute daily. That is why fast, safe and well
maintained connecting ways are essential for cyclists, public
transportation, road haulage, motorcars, ships and barges.
Daily, road users and carriers in Zuid-Holland intensively use the
province’s 535 kilometres road, cross 66 bridges and ten waterways.
C
o
u
n
c
i
l
’
s
p
r
i
o
r
i
t
i
e
s
a
r
e
:
Improve possibilities
for inhabitants and
transportation
entrepreneurs to go
smoothly and safely
from door to door via
road, water, public
transport and on bicycle
.
A budget for reuse and
emission free energy
from solar, wind,
hydroelectric,
geothermal energy,
biomass. Transition
onto more customised
energy supply.
Developing new
economy through
knowledge and
innovation. Efficient
use of innovation
potential. It’s good for
14. Dit doet de provincie Zuid-Holland
Smart spatial use
Space is scarce in Zuid-Holland. That is why the province carefully
divides space for housing, work and leisure It is always done in close
collaboration with those involved. The specific areas for building
houses, business sites, nature, leisure and water storage are accurately
determined.
The province focus is on preserving rural area and on monitoring
municipal plans for building houses, business sites and offices critically.
It wants newbuilding of houses in already built up areas, and ensure that
newbuild houses are not there to leave unoccupied.
The province concludes
agreements with the proper
regions, in areas with
decreasing population, in order
to keep the habitat liveable and
accessible.
■ Outlook Space and Mobility is
leading.
■ Sufficient quality and affordable
houses for rent and to buy.
■ Decrease of surplus of offices and
balance in supply and demand.
Active survey to smart combinations
of viable solutions in collaborations
with parties involved.
■ Joint research schemes and promoting
sharing knowledge
13
and employability.
Zuid-Holland in the
limelight.
Smart use of available
space for houses,
offices, businesses and
retail facilities. To
fight abandonment
through providing
reuse facilities and
change in use of
facilities.
To promote greenery,
diversity in plants and
animals, and
conservation of
cultural heritage. All in
for sustainable and
agricultural
entrepreneurship;
walking, cicling and
leisure facilities.
15. 14
Landscape
The province considers a a good business climate together with an
attractive environment of importance. Such an environment calls for
care for landscape, agriculture, nature and leisure, cultural heritage and
water. The province makes the difference by seeing nature, water,
leisure, agriculture and horticulture in cohesion. It matches ideas and
budget, aiming to develop more nature against lower costs. Promoting
greenery, diversity in plants and animal life and conservation of
cultural heritage are leading provincial core businesses .
These targets are not particularly obvious in this build-up province
with a growing number of inhabitants and noticeable climate change.
The successful heritage policy will be continued. In the period 2015 –
2019 a budget of €14 million for cultural heritage will be made
available.
Agreements with the agricultural
sector and the national
government on sustainability and
animal welfare will be made.
The province works for sufficient
availability and supply of fresh
water for humans, animals,
nature, agriculture and industry.
It supports self-sufficient fresh
water provision in agriculture
and horticulture.
14
14
16. Dit doet de provincie Zuid-Holland
Innovative economy
We are proud of the many so-called Top Sectors in Zuid-Holland.
The ports, industry, so-called Greenports Holland (representing the
horticultural sector), knowledge centres, educational and training
institutions are first of class and highly regarded. We like them to
continue that way.
Technological developments and globalisation create a new economy
with different dynamics. They call for adjustment of existing business
activities and offer opportunities for starting entrepreneurs.
The province wants to distinguish itself with flexible and innovative
economy ‘in-house’ and aims to contribute to achieve powerful, vivid
and good accessible city, towns and villages centres.
The port of Rotterdam and
Greenports should keep their
leading position in the world.
The provinces contributes to
this by promoting
modernization and
sustainability and to provide
good accessibility of these
economic pillars.
15
Promote collaboration of ports within the
Flemish – Dutch Delta area.
Draw up regional retail outlook, together
with municipalities and others.
Efficient use of existing business sites.
An additional €15M for Innovation Quarter and
promoting participation of municipalities and
knowledge centres in this program.
Support of collaborations and clusters with
growth potential (€6M)
Financial boost of €14 M for innovation in small
and medium sized enterprises.
17. Energy
A clean, reliable and affordable power consumption: that’s what we all
want. Clean, self generated, sustainable energy has a positive impact on
our environment, our health, competitive edge and – as a result – on
employability and economy. A combination of sustainable energy
sources and technologies is needed for the transition of fossil fuels –
such as coals, natural gas and oil – to renewables.
They are solar energy, residual heat, geothermal energyl, biomass and
wind energy. The future for clean and cost-efficient energy is there for
the taking , but it needs efforts to be done of all of us.
A major step is to draw up an
Energy Agenda for further
development of proven
innovations and contribute to
energy targets at the same time.
Establishing an energy fund is
of equal importance: €100M is
available for new ambitions in
developments and techniques.
.
16
■ Drawing up an Energy Agenda, together
with partners.
■ Realisation of 735.5MW of wind energy
■ Heat Rotund, residual heat from the port
area and geothermal supply to green
houses and houses.
■ Prohibit exploring shale gas.
■ Contribution to modernization,
restructuring and more sustainability in
Greenports.
■ Allow space for new kinds of
renewables.
■ Energy Fund of €100M.
18. Dit doet de provincie Zuid-Holland
Environment
The province aims at improving environment and strengthen economy
simultaneously. Efficient control and enforcement are part of its policy.
Trust should be gained by businesses first and foremost.
Air quality in our province should be improved. The province tackles this
issue in problem areas, together with other authorities to elevate burden
on environmental quality, and quality of life and well-being improves.
.
The province applies innovative
solutions and cost effectiveness
in large scale maintenance of
roads, thus aiming to reduce
noise nuisance.
■ Robust regional execution services for permits,
enforcement and control.
■ Less noise nuisance at provincial roads.
■ Tackle air quality
17
19. 18
Administrative co-operation
The government leaves more and more duties to enterprises, social
organisations and inhabitants. The province aims at realising its targets,
together with other authorities, partners within community, businesses
and inhabitants.
The organising capability of society as a whole increases. The province
adapts to this and chooses its role to play per task. (its about promoting,
participating, regulating and/or facilitating)
Tacking problems and interests of
inhabitants, organisations and
businesses in Zuid-Holland are on
top. The province is transparent
when exercising its duties. It
continues its strategy of intensive
collaboration with partners.
The province wants to present
itself as being a recognisable level
of government that cooperates
effectively with regions. Its target
is to establish a powerful
Randstad; the most densely
populated area that needs to
develop even further as a
powerful European economic first
of class region.
18
21. More information
www.zuid-holland.nl Telephone:
+31 (0)70 441 66 22
E-mail: zuidholland@pzh.nl
Twitter accounts
@zuid_holland
@BestuurZH
@VerkeerZH
@EconomieZH
@LandschapZH
@RuimteZH
Facebook www.facebook.com/zuidholland
Colophon
This brochue is issued by the Communication Department of the
province Zuid-Holland
July 2015
Layout , print en photography
bureau Media services, province Zuid-Holland
281577
20
22. Contents
Foreword King’s Commisioner 1
Facts 3
The Provincial Executive Board in action 4
Binding governmental body 4
Provincial Council 5
Provincial Executive 8
King’s Commissioner 8
Portfolio Provincial Executive
2015 - 2019 9
Income and expenditure 2014 10
What’s the province’s business? 11
Mobility/traffic and transportation 12
Smart spatial use 13
Landscape 14
Innovative economy 15
Energy 16
Environment 17
Administrative co-operation 18
More information 20
Provincie Zuid-Holland
This brochure gives a short description of the provincial organisation and its activities. As such it has
to be brief to describe provincial duties. Please go to the provincial website for further elaboration and
updated information: www.zuid-holland.nl . The province provides the latest on
Twitter@zuid_holland and other provincial related topics, and on Facebook. Please find details of
these social media accounts on page 20 of this brochure.
