26 October 2004

ARC plan brings simplicity to protection of region's coast

The Auckland Regional Plan: Coastal became operative earlier this month, providing a framework for the management of the region's coastal environment.

After a decade of consultation, the development and notification of a proposed plan, submissions, hearings, public meetings and workshops, the Coastal Plan has been given approval by Minister of Conservation, Hon Chris Carter.

The Coastal Plan, developed by the Auckland Regional Council, provides the overarching framework for the integrated and sustainable management of the region's coastal environment, and covers any activity planned in the coastal marine area. This area stretches out to the 12-mile limit, and includes all coastal areas found in the region including shallow estuaries in urban areas, the rugged west coast, east coast beaches and the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. It also includes a large area of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.

While some parts of the plan remain subject to variations (in particular aquaculture, which will be subject to further consultation and input from the wider community), the majority of the plan is now operative, providing a simplified structure to the processing of consents for different activities in the coastal environment.

"The Auckland region has 10% of the country's coastline. This plan provides councils, developers, the marine industry and the general public with a definitive framework to guide the management, development and protection of the region's 14,000 km of coastal environment," says ARC Manager Coastal Environments, Hugh Leersnyder.

"Having a Coastal Plan provides protection for the marine area, while still allowing the people of the Auckland region to enjoy numerous business and recreational activities in the coastal environment. It's about balancing all the demands placed on the region's coastal area."

Mr Leersnyder says that while the Coastal Plan has taken 10 years to get to this stage, a lot has been achieved over this time, in particular partnerships between key agencies involved including local councils and the Department of Conservation, who all have various responsibilities for parts of the coastal environment.

Copies of the Regional Plan: Coastal are available to view online at www.arc.govt.nz, from the ARC's Pitt Street office or from your local library. Copies can be purchased from the ARC, phone 09 366 2000 or email info@arc.govt.nz. An order form may be downloaded from the website.

ENDS

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