Make sure you have your say by Friday 21 April; NRC

Get in quick to make sure you have your say on possible new rules to prevent marine pests spreading, paying for marine biosecurity and updates to Northland’s harbour safety rules.

That’s the message to the public from the Northland Regional Council as it fields submissions on three important council documents, all of which will potentially impact on boaties and the marine industry in particular.

The council is seeking feedback from 18 March to 21 April and as of today has already received about 100 submissions.

It’s asking the public what they think of council’s proposed annual activities and budgets via its Annual Plan and Charging Policy, how pests are managed through its Northland Regional Pest and Marine Pathway Management Plan and rules for keeping people safe on the water via its Navigation Safety Bylaw.

Chairman Bill Shepherd says over the past few weeks councillors and staff had also been at several well-attended public drop-in sessions and meetings with stakeholders to talk to people and answer questions about the proposals.

As expected, council’s consideration of a boat-focussed, user-pays type charge as a potentially fairer way to cover the costs of a programme to stop the spread of marine pests has attracted a great deal of interest – and comment – from boaties in particular.

Chairman Shepherd says the council appreciates all feedback from the public, which is invaluable as it considers the best way forward on all three documents, which have been rolled into a single feedback process to make it easier for people to have their say.

“The feedback period ends at 4pm on Friday 21 April and I’d strongly urge anyone who hasn’t already done so to familiarise themselves with the many issues being consulted on and consider making a submission to let us know what they think.”

All relevant documents – and a comprehensive range of supporting information – are available on the council’s website via: www.nrc.govt.nz/haveyoursay

Chairman Shepherd says the three documents traverse a wide range of subjects and the council is keen to ensure when it makes its final decisions that it is doing so “from the most informed position possible”.

“As always, our communities’ views are absolutely integral to this process.”