27 August 2007

Media Release

Outdoor Recreation Council welcomes Government’s Public Access initiatives

The Council of Outdoor Recreation Associations has welcomed Government’s new moves to maintain and improve public access to the countryside, fresh water and the coast.

Spokesman Dr Hugh Barr said “Government’s proposed changes, especially setting up a Public Access Commission to be a leader on public access issues, would be valuable to both outdoor recreation, and to the rural community.” The decisions implement recommendations made by the Acland Consultation Panel, last March.

“The Government’s intention to retain unformed public roads, and not allow district councils to hock them off is also a valuable decision, protecting these valuable public assets” Dr Barr said.

Dr Barr said “During departmental restructuring under Rogernomics some safeguards for public access were removed. Now this Labour Government is to be congratulated on restoring these.”

“Many other safeguards were removed under the Bolger National Government” Dr Barr said. He challenged the Key National Opposition to help rebuild integrity in New Zealand’s public access system, and work with Labour to this end.”

“Such a bipartisan approach could materially improve relations between responsible outdoor recreation users, mainly from urban areas, and rural landholders” Dr Barr said. “These relationships have been under attack over the last few years.”

ENDS