4 July 2005

Ranges’ Bill notified by Waitakere, Rodney and Regional Councils

The Bill to protect the Waitakere Ranges and foothills took another significant step today with three councils publicly notifying their intention of introducing the Bill into Parliament.

The local Bill has today been lodged in the District Courts at Henderson, Auckland and Warkworth and is at public libraries for 15 days. The final Bill is now available for public inspection for the first time.

Following this period, the Bill will be sent to Parliament within six months, where it is expected to be referred to a Select Committee for its consideration, prior to consideration by Parliament.

Waitakere City Council, Auckland Regional Council and Rodney District have adopted the final draft of the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Bill to promote long term protection of heritage features while enabling the 28,500 hectares of public and private land to be lived in and worked in.

“I am pleased to have arrived at this significant milestone. This Bill will ensure that future generations can enjoy the priceless asset of the Ranges and foothills,” says Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey.

“Over the past few months we have received extensive feedback from the public on the proposed new law and the Bill has been strengthened by this. I look forward to further discussions on this Local Bill,” says Mayor Harvey.

Copies of the Bill are available for public inspection at Council offices and libraries for 15 working days from Tuesday 5 July to Monday 25 July 2005.

All correspondence should be addressed to:

ENDS

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