Media Release

Councillors updated on Hill and High Country Plan Change

Environment Southland councillors were today updated on the proposed hill and high country development plan change.

Councillors were briefed on the community discussions, feedback and the next steps for this proposal, which include a Council workshop, engagement with contractors and further consideration of the rule.

The proposed rule will be refined and the practicalities of its implementation worked through over the coming months before being reconsidered by the Council.

The hill and high country development plan change is part of the wider package of changes being worked on through the Water and Land 2020 & Beyond project. This project is Environment Southland’s response to the Government’s National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS) and the community’s concerns about declining water quality.

Land sustainability staff will continue to promote good land management practices when preparing for winter. Farmers and contractors can contact Environment Southland for advice and information is available on our website www.es.govt.nz/publications/factsheets-summaries/good-practice-farming-factsheets

ENDS

Background:

Hill and high country development is one of the four focus activities to be advanced in the first phase of Water and Land 2020 & Beyond. The draft plan change was developed by a multi-agency Steering Group and sought to ensure hill and high country development was properly planned to minimise environmental effects to waterways.

Following a June Council meeting, staff were directed to further discuss the proposal with the community, including specific discussion about the implementation of the proposed conditions. Three public meetings and two field days were held over July and August with feedback from these used to form the basis for further refinement of the proposal and an update for councillors.

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