TDC `Has Failed to Protect Outstanding Coastline’

Sir, Tasman Mayor John Hurley denies charges made by Friends of Nelson Haven and Tasman Bay that the Tasman District Council has failed, under the Resource Management Act, to protect its outstanding coastline (Nelson Mail, June 9).

Friends is not the only environmental group that has been trying over the years to persuade the TDC to give greater protection to the many important but vulnerable coastal landscapes and habitats in Tasman district.

The council has the stewardship of a number of estuaries that are vitally important habitat for endangered birds and international migratory birds, yet none of them has a management plan.

Motueka Sandspit is an important bird breeding area that still lacks a management plan, while human recreation with dogs, horses and quad bikes is given priority over birds.

It does seem that, with the exception of the rural three zoning experiment and the two landscape priority areas of St Arnaud and Takaka Hill, every time coastal or landscape protection issues come before the TDC, the councillors resolutely refuse to countenance anything that might restrict landowners in their freedom to develop or subdivide.

Would the mayor care to comment on the coastal habitat and landscape protection issue?

PETER BALLANCE

Royal Forest and Bird

Protection Society chairman,

Nelson-Tasman branch,

Nelson, June 12.

Mr Hurley replies: “While Forest and Bird may see these issues in simple terms, the fact is that they are complex. At the same time, the various parties involved often hold diametrically opposing views. The Tasman District Council is carefully working through a process intended to be fair to all parties.

“Mr Ballance is aware that 63 percent of Tasman district is Department of Conservation estate, national park or, like Farewell Spit, with additional protection status, and cannot be subdivided.

“The further layers of protection sought by lobby groups will be consideration of private property owners. Mr Ballance knows the process, and he will get his answers in due course through the proper channels.”

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