Council provides feedback on resource management reforms
We will provide feedback to the Government on proposed changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA).
At our Strategy and Policy Committee, the Council considered proposals relating to infrastructure and development, the primary sector, and freshwater management as part of its submission for Phase 2 of the Government’s RMA national direction package (page 132, PDF file, 26MB).
Submission a milestone for regional government
Council Chair Craig Pauling said the submission was an important milestone for the Council and represented some of the changes to come for local and regional government.
“The RMA guides a significant amount of the work we do, so it’s important that we take this opportunity to advocate for our region ahead of the Government re-writing this legislation later in the year.
“The Strategy and Policy Committee discussed the draft submission that has been written with input from Councillors, and the Committee provided some final feedback for staff before the submission is signed out.
“In the submission, Council has welcomed a number of the changes proposed in the national direction package, and is supportive of those that recognise the money, time, and effort our community has invested into regulatory processes over the last decade,” Chair Pauling said.
Council Chair Craig Pauling
“We also welcome the changes that recognise the critical role of regional government as an infrastructure provider, in particular flood management infrastructure.”
The submission also highlights regulations and policy that the Council would like to be reconsidered, including changes that would prevent councils from administering more stringent rules to manage commercial forestry.
“The National Environmental Standards for commercial forestry don’t allow councils to control wildfire risk in their communities, which is concerning to us.
“This submission process gives us an opportunity to advocate for regulations that will protect our environment and community into the future,” said Chair Pauling.
Risks to waterways and infrastructure
The Council also raised concern about updated commercial forestry rules that would result in more slash being left on site after harvesting, and more sediment going into waterways.
“When slash is left on site there’s a risk that it will be washed into rivers and cause damage to critical infrastructure, including flood protection infrastructure, bridges, and roads.
“Sediment is already an issue here, and the current changes proposed by Government could result in irreversible damage to our freshwater and marine environments,” Chair Pauling added.
The Council also acknowledged the significant work Canterbury communities have undertaken over the past decade to develop freshwater outcomes and set limits on freshwater use.
“Through these changes, it is key that we retain critical elements of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2017 such as Te Mana o te Wai, freshwater attributes, and national bottom lines,” Chair Pauling stated.
Looking ahead to future legislation
These RMA changes are part of the most extensive set of amendments proposed to national direction by any Government, past or present, but Chair Pauling said the Council was well positioned to respond.
“Our Councillors have been proactive in understanding what these reforms mean for our region, and will continue to work with our partners, staff, and the Government to ensure Canterbury is considered in future legislation.”
The final submission is available on our website.