Changes proposed to navigation bylaws

Proposed amendments to the Southland Regional Council Navigation Safety Bylaws and a proposed plan change to the Coastal Plan were publicly notified for submissions on Saturday (15 August).

Environment Southland policy and planning manager Anita Dawe said Navigation Safety Bylaws require review every five years and last year’s review identified a number of changes needed to be made.

The major change to the local bylaws is around recreational activity zones on the Lower Oreti River, which are being clearly defined by markers and signage. Previously the zones were identified by physical features such as tree blocks.

There are also changes to the requirements for lifejackets and speed limits, which bring the bylaws into line with recent changes to Maritime Safety Rules.

In conjunction with the bylaw changes, a change to the Regional Council Coastal Plan for Southland 2013 is being notified. This minor change is necessary to remove the duplication of provisions which are now provided for in the Navigation Safety Bylaws.

“The navigational safety provisions were originally placed in the Coastal Plan at a time when the bylaws did not exist, so it is appropriate now to ensure they are consistent.”

Ms Dawe said notification of the bylaws and plan change will allow the public to consider these changes side by side.

Submissions on the proposed changes can be made online at www.es.govt.nz or via email to service@es.govt.nz. For any further information or to have a copy of the proposal sent to you, contact 0800 76 88 45.

ENDS

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