Council to apply for consent to clear vegetation

Thursday, 23 July 2009

Vegetation clearing on the Manapouri foreshore is on hold at the moment while the Southland District Council applies for resource consent.

Council area engineer Graham Jones said the clearing of vegetation carried out last month was as allowed for under the reserve management plan, which was adopted in 2003 after public consultation.

"Most people were very positive about the work done as it enables a view of Lake Manapouri. However, some negative feedback was also received and possible legal action signalled if the work continued," Mr Jones said.

A meeting held recently to discuss the clearing was helpful in establishing a better understanding. However, Council also received legal advice that a resource consent was needed to continue clearing indigenous vegetation.

Council resource management manager Bruce Halligan said Rule HER.3 in the District Plan governs indigenous vegetation modification throughout the district.

"The Resource Management Act requires Council to recognise and provide for the protection of significant indigenous vegetation and significant habitats of indigenous fauna. While this is primarily aimed at private land, it also applies to public land.

"If more work is carried out on the Manapouri Foreshore, Council could be seen to be in breach of its District Plan, which is obviously not acceptable."

Any further work would need a resource consent and an application for such would be publicly notified to allow all parties to make a submission in support or in opposition. 

Mr Jones said some Manapouri people could be frustrated by this, but it is essential that Council ensures any future work is lawful and has followed the correct procedure. An application should be lodged within a month.  Council is likely to hold the pre-hearing meeting and possibly also the formal hearing itself in Manapouri.  Submitters who wish to be heard at the formal hearing will have the opportunity to speak to their submissions.

Who to contact

If you would like to discuss a matter on this page, feel free to contact us:

Southland District Council
P.O. Box 903
Invercargill 9840
Phone: 0800 732 732
Fax: 0800 732 329
emailsdc@southlanddc.govt.nz