Press
Release: Auckland Regional Council Thursday, 13 March
2003, 5:31 pm
ARC receives over 1300
aquaculture submissions
The Auckland Regional Council (ARC) has received 1338
submissions for variations to the Proposed Auckland
Regional Plan: Coastal.
Strategic Policy
Committee chairman Ian Bradley is encouraged by the
response. “We are pleased that this many people have
exercised their rights and are voicing their opinions
over the proposed variations,” says Cr. Bradley.
The Variations were
adopted by the ARC and notified for public comment in
October 2002. They define areas that are suitable for
aquaculture operations and propose a policy framework
for the future management of aquaculture development
in the region.
Cr. Bradley says “We
are doing our best to deal as efficiently as possible
with the statutory processes and we do not want to
keep the industry on hold for any longer than
necessary.”
Cr. Bradley says the
ARC’s direction provides for aquaculture development
in the region in a manner that will not undermine the
sustainable management of fisheries, Treaty of
Waitangi settlements, environmental integrity or the
rights of the public to enjoy our maritime heritage.
As part of the
statutory process a summary of the submissions will be
publicised in April for further public comment.
Hearings are expected to begin in July.
