24 November 2004

Auckland City appeals decisions on regional plans

Auckland City is lodging appeals to the Environment Court on the proposed Auckland Regional Plan: Air, Land and Water and the associated variation to the Regional Plan – Coastal.

“In order to protect the interests of the council in the development of the regional plans we are making several appeals,” says Councillor Christine Caughey, chairperson of the environment, heritage and urban form committee. “Auckland City would like these plans to balance the needs of a growing, vibrant region with elements of environmental management.”

Some of the areas addressed in the appeal include: best practical options for managing drainage discharges contaminated land and marine sediments management of separate and combined drainage systems, and stream management.

“While Auckland City agrees with most of the content of the proposed regional plans there are a number of aspects which can be taken a step further to ensure good environmental management practices throughout the region,” says Mrs Caughey.

Auckland City is aware that other local authorities, Metrowater and Watercare share similar concerns and will be filing joint appeals where appropriate.

The appeals to the Environment Court were lodged this week, with the expectation that appeals will be resolved with the Auckland Regional Council to avoid the need for formal Environment Court hearings.

ENDS

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