DEFINED as ‘meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs’; sustainable development principles have become a legality within Wales.

As one of only three countries in the world with a statutory duty relating to sustainable development; embedding sustainable principles into the work of the Welsh Government is no easy task and not so transparent. The life-cycles of change and their long-term impact affect our communities in ways one wouldn’t necessarily associate as part of the ‘green agenda’.

Transport, infrastructure, social cohesion and economic revival all feature heavily within the Welsh Government’s programme of government; some of which have come to bear in Blaenau Gwent over the past month.

Last week I had the opportunity to visit The Works, Wales’ largest regeneration project. At the forefront of sustainability across Wales and Europe, the former 200-acre Ebbw Vale steelworks site has been transformed into a £350 million mixed use development at the heart of Blaenau Gwent. The project is at the cutting edge of the Welsh Government’s sustainable development agenda with The Works being developed to an overarching framework of social, economic and environmental objectives.

In these times of austerity, news of a £15bn investment plan for infrastructure growth and jobs is wonderful news for the people of Blaenau Gwent. Improving the Heads of the Valleys transport infrastructure signals a positive message to businesses that Blaenau Gwent is open for business, encouraging investors to look towards Blaenau Gwent and the recently established Ebbw Vale Enterprise Zone as a strong contender for future development.

The dualling of the Heads of the Valleys road will help improve accessibility and also play a role in tackling poverty for the region by improving links to key sites within education, health centres and jobs.

Electrification of the Valley Lines offers the opportunity for a step change in mobility and connectivity to employment centres for our Valleys communities, as well as a larger employment catchment area for businesses looking to invest in the region.

Since the offset I have made a rock solid business case for the investment into the completion of the line to Ebbw Vale town and the Abertillery spur as well as additional infrastructure improvements to provide a faster journey time and more frequent services.

The decision to invest in these projects represents the first step towards achieving a modernised rail infrastructure that is a truly integrated transport system for the south-east region.