Consultation opens on Golden Bay’s Outstanding Natural Features and Landscapes

The Tasman District Council is seeking public feedback on its plans to protect Golden Bay’s outstanding natural features and landscapes for future generations.
Environment and Planning Committee deputy chairman Brian Ensor said that, with the help of a working group made up of key interest groups and stakeholders, the Council had identified 10 outstanding natural features and six outstanding natural landscapes that should have special protection.

“We’re suggesting changes to the rules in the Tasman Resource Management Plan (TRMP) that aim to ensure these areas are protected, while also recognising existing uses and activities. We want to encourage land use and development that will enhance or regenerate landscapes, and discourage subdivision and development that could damage our outstanding features and landscapes.

“The draft rule changes include measures such as new information requirements for resource consent applications; new landscape-related assessment criteria for subdivision consents; and some changes to the consent requirements for new earthworks, structures, tracks, forestry and quarrying.”

Cr Ensor said the Council was keen to hear from the public both about the locations identified for protection, and about the draft rule changes suggested.
“We want to know if people think we have got it right before we take the formal step of changing the TRMP through a proposed plan change. There’s information on our website, tasman.govt.nz/feedback, that people can have a look at before making an online submission, and we will also be holding drop-in sessions in Golden Bay for anyone who would like to learn more. Consultation on the draft proposals closes on Tuesday 9 August.”

The draft Outstanding Natural Features identified are:
· Aorere River, Gorge and Tributaries

· Big River Estuary

· Farewell Spit

· The Grove

· Hanson Winter

· Paynes Ford

· Tarakohe Cliffs

· Te Waikoropupu Springs

· Wainui Bay Inlet

· Whanganui Inlet

The draft Outstanding Natural Landscapes are:
· Abel Tasman

· Parapara-Kahurangi Ranges

· Northern Northwest Coast

· Southern Northwest Coast

· Golden Bay-Mohua Marine

· Northwest Coast Marine

Drop-in sessions will be held in Golden Bay from 2.00 pm – 7.00 pm on the following dates:
· Wednesday 27 July, Takaka Fire Station

· Thursday 28 July, Pakawau Memorial Hall

· Wednesday 3 August, Kahurangi Function Centre

At each drop-in session, there will be a presentation on the Draft Plan Change at 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm.
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