24 May 2005

ARC pleased with ranges legislation decision

The Auckland Regional Council is delighted with Waitakere City Council's decision this morning in support for the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Bill, which if introduced will provide long-term protection for the Waitakere Ranges and foothills.

ARC Councillor, and representative for Waitakere City, Paul Walbran says that today's decision sees this important legislation one step closer to being introduced.

"The Ranges are an icon of the Auckland region, and new legislation will go a long way towards securing long-term recognition, status and protection for the ranges, the foothills and coastal villages. Protection of iconic landscapes is a big issue. Other countries around the world have fought hard to protect their heritage against the pressures of population growth, and we need to be doing the same here.

"We have been working closely with Waitakere City, and with Rodney District Council, over recent months on the wording of the Bill, and we are confident that we now have a draft that clearly and concisely outlines the special values of the area, and the specific details that will need to be taken into account in the future.

"We have spent many years debating a Bill to protect the Ranges, and we are absolutely delighted by Waitakere City's decisions today.

"We will continue to work with Waitakere City and Rodney in progressing this Bill to Parliament, where it can be considered by the Select Committee and open to formal submissions from the public."

In February the ARC confirmed it's support for new legislation to provide long-term protection for the Waitakere Ranges, foothills and coastal villages.

ENDS

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