Friday 24 July 2015

Proposed Natural Resource Plan Information in letterboxes

Residents of the Wellington Region will soon receive a four page mail-out advising them about the Proposed Natural Resources Plan and the submission process.

The new plan which will be notified and open for submissions from Friday 31 July sets out rules and guidelines for using and protecting natural resources in the region.

Greater Wellington Regional Council Chair, and Co-Chair (with Te Waari Carkeek) of Te Upoko Taiao - Natural Resource Management Committee, Chris Laidlaw says the plan is critical to maintaining ecological, economic, cultural and social balance in the region in the future.

“We have to protect our valuable air, land, freshwater and coastal resources for future generations while still ensuring economic growth is sustained and the things we value about our region are available to us.

“This plan represents a turning point in the relationship that we in this region have with our natural capital. It contains rules and guidelines for the use of natural resources and regulations for human activity that has impact on the environment. The plan will have far reaching effects so it’s important that everyone receives notice and is given a chance to comment on it,” Councillor Laidlaw says.

The mail-out, which will be delivered to all NZ Post addresses in the Wellington Region between 27 and 31 July, explains the submission process and includes a list of activities regulated by the plan, a copy of the formal notice and a submission form. Advice on how to view the plan or get a copy is also provided as well as a contact for further information.

“The plan is a complex document and there are legal considerations and processes involved in its development and the communication around it. It is designed to ensure that we arrest the decline in the region's natural resources and steadily improve our performance when it comes to such things as water quality and our resilience against natural hazards. I encourage anyone who needs clarification or help understanding any part of the process to contact the council,” Councillor Laidlaw says.

Rules in the Proposed Plan will have legal effect from the date of notification (31 July 2015). The submission period runs until 5.00 pm, Friday 25 September 2015. Anyone may make a submission.

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