Promotion of Wellington’s Town Belt Bill in Parliament
Promotion of Wellington’s Town Belt Bill in Parliament
Wellington City Council formally notifies its
intention to promote the Wellington Town Belt Bill in
Parliament.
Councillor Helene Ritchie, Natural Environment Portfolio Leader, Council’s Environment Committee, says, “Wellington’s Town Belt is unique. This local Bill will provide greater protection to the Town Belt, will give far greater say to the community on its management and will guard its special status for generations to come”.
If passed by members of Parliament, the Act would impose on the Council responsibilities and give powers to protect, manage and enhance the Town Belt as a public recreation ground for the people of Wellington.
Councillor Iona Pannett, Chair of the Council’s Environment Committee says, “It is critical to protect the Town Belt. It’s the lungs of our city and fosters health, public recreation and the City’s natural heritage”.
Mayor Celia Wade-Brown and Councillors unanimously agreed after extensive public consultation and contribution the final version of the Wellington Town Belt Bill approved by the Council on 25 February 2015.
Following notification, the Bill will be introduced into Parliament by Grant Robertson, the local Member of Parliament. The Council’s work will continue as submitters to the Select Committee.
Copies of the Bill are available for public inspection between 29 May and 22 June 2015 during opening hours at the Wellington Central Library, 65 Victoria Street, Wellington. A copy of the Bill is also available on the Council's website at wellington.govt.nz/townbeltbill.
The Friends of Wellington Town Belt have organised a public meeting to discuss the Bill and the Parliamentary process. The meeting will take place on Tuesday 2nd June at 5.30pm at St Johns Conference Centre on the corner of Willis and Dixon Streets.
The Town Belt is the extensive
crescent shaped landscape of trees and tracks that surrounds
Wellington city and is the green backdrop to the
harbour.