20th May 2005

Council to investigate unauthorised coastal structures

As part of its work to comply with the Auckland Regional Plan: Coastal, which came into operation at the end of 2004, Manukau City Council is to undertake a project to decide the future of over 100 structures adjacent to Council land along Manukau's coastline.

Under the Regional Plan, those responsible for existing coastal structures must have a permit; however, Manukau City Council has identified a number of structures that have been constructed a number of years ago and which now do not comply with the Resource Management Act 1991.

The Council has commissioned Beca consultants to undertake an assessment of all of the existing unauthorised coastal structures adjacent to Council owned land, including boat ramps, jetties, boardwalks, pontoons and staircases. The assessment will be based on the condition of the structure, whether it is needed in that location and used, if the structure is having any adverse environmental effect and estimated maintenance or renewal costs.

Recognising that many of the structures provide vital public access, the Council is embarking on a targeted consultation programme with key stakeholders such as the Department of Conservation, Auckland Regional Council staff, local iwi, the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, Community Boards and Residents and Ratepayers Associations to assist with the assessment of whether particular structures should remain or be removed.

In cases where structures have been constructed by private landowners, the Council is also investigating which structures might be managed through a licensing agreement, effectively transferring the responsibility of that structure, its resource consent and its on-going maintenance directly to the landowner.

Wayne Goodley, Director of City Services at the Council, says: "Whilst we have found that a number of coastal structures adjacent to Council land in Manukau do not have the proper authorisation, we acknowledge that the structures may be used by a lot of people and don't want to remove them if we don't have to." "Our approach, which looks at public use along with other considerations, such as the state of the structure, will help us make the right decisions, meeting the public need along with our legal obligations."

Manukau City Council would appreciate stakeholders' input by the 10th June 2005. For further information, including the full list of structures involved in the project, or to register interest in a particular structure, access Manukau City Council's website (www.manukau.govt.nz).

ENDS

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