Regional councillors to consider marine submissions

Hundreds of submissions on possible new rules to prevent marine pests spreading, paying for marine biosecurity and updates to Northland’s harbour safety rules were being considered by regional councillors at hearings that began last Monday in Whangarei.

Council chairman Bill Shepherd says more than 500 public submissions were received over a month on three important council documents, all of which will potentially impact on boaties and the marine industry in particular.

“We asked the public what they thought of council’s proposed annual activities and budgets via our Annual Plan and Charging Policy, how pests are managed through our Northland Regional Pest and Marine Pathway Management Plan and rules for keeping people safe on the water via our Navigation Safety Bylaw.”

Of the 500-plus submissions received, around 300 commented on how to pay for marine pest management, with another roughly 230 addressing limits on the movement of fouled vessels and more than 200 on continuation of council’s Regional Infrastructure rate.

As well as the formal submission period, which ran from March 18 to April 21, councillors and staff had also been at several well-attended public drop-in sessions and meetings with stakeholders to talk to people and answer questions about the proposals.

Chairman Shepherd says as expected, council’s consideration of a boat-focussed, user-pays type charge as a potentially fairer way to cover the costs of a programme to stop the spread of marine pests had attracted a great deal of interest – and comment – from boaties in particular.

“We appreciate all the feedback we’ve had from the public as we collectively consider the best way forward on all three documents. As always, when we’re hearing submissions and preparing to make final decisions, we’re very keen to do so from the most informed position we can.”

The council expects to issue final decisions on the Annual Plan, Charging Policy and Navigation Safety Bylaw and be able to adopt them – with any changes necessary as a result of the hearings – next month.

A decision on the Northland Regional Pest and Marine Pathway Management Plan is expected to follow shortly after.

n Submissions are available to read online at nrc.govt.nz/combinedconsult