Set net monitoring for Omaha and an update on begging discussed by committee

Auckland Council committee members met today to discuss whether a set net control should be made at Omaha Beach, confirmed a hearings panel for Food Act Fees and received an update on begging behaviour in the central city. The following is a digest of decisions made.

The agenda is available on Auckland Council’s website and minutes will be added once confirmed.

Items 1-8 are administrative items, and there was no extraordinary business.

Item 9: Decision on a set net and crab pot control for Omaha Beach

Following an investigation by council staff, options were put forward to the committee today to seek a decision on whether to manage public safety and nuisance issues associated with set netting and crab fishing at Omaha Beach by using existing regulations or by making a control.

During monitoring by staff over the 2014/15 summer period, council received 22 emails from Omaha residents but it was noted that the majority of the issues described - many to do with litter from crab pots - can be addressed using existing regulation. Options given to the committee included; no set net/crab pot control but use education and existing regulation instead; a seasonal set net/crab pot control; and a year round control.

After discussion the Regulatory and Bylaws Committee agreed that Option 1, proactive monitoring over the summer period and targeted education, was the most appropriate solution.

Item 10: Hearings Panel Appointment for Setting Fees under the Food Act

The committee was asked to appoint a hearings panel to hear submissions on the Statement of Proposal - Setting Fees under the Food Act. The Food Act comes into effect 1 March 2016.

The committee appointed a panel to hear oral submissions in early 2016.

Item 11: Update on begging behaviour in the central city

The committee received an update on begging in the central city and compliance with the Public Safety & Nuisance Bylaw 2013. It was acknowledged that numbers had grown and there were complex social issues surrounding the many drivers of begging require a multi-agency response.

Proactive patrols of the central city and a graduated enforcement approach – education first around begging in an intimidating manner – is part of the process taken by council to address the negative behaviours. Staff will report back to the committee in March 2016 regarding the reduction of nuisance behaviour associated with begging in the central city.

ENDS

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