MEDIA RELEASE

Environment Bay of Plenty welcomes announcement for aquaculture funding

For immediate release: Thursday 7 December 2006

Environment Bay of Plenty has welcomed today’s announcement by the Minister for the Environment, David Benson Pope, that the Government has earmarked $2.9 million to help councils plan for aquaculture.

Regional council chairman John Cronin believes the funding will be “a significant helping hand” for regional councils keen to advance aquaculture in their regions. New legislation passed by the government in 2005 has improved the law for marine farming but could mean more cost for either the industry or the ratepayer. “It is good to see the government partnering in the implementation of their legislation”.

Environment Bay of Plenty just this week hosted the first regional aquaculture forum in New Zealand, attended by the Minister of Economic Development, Trevor Mallard. Its purpose was to help chart a course for the development of a sustainable local industry. The forum was attended by over 80 people, and was very successful. “Everyone considered it to be a success and a real step forward,” Mr Cronin says.

“We have done the research and laid a really solid foundation for aquaculture. We are now at the stage of seeking funding partnerships like those being offered by the Government. So we commend the Government for its timely offer of support to councils. We are ready to tackle the challenge and we hope they will work with us on it.”

Mr Cronin says sustainable aquaculture can benefit the people of the region, not just economically but in other ways. “We are committed to sustainable development in the Bay of Plenty and we believe aquaculture should be part of its future.”

Environment Bay of Plenty is looking to work with the aquaculture industry, iwi, district and city councils, government ministries and regional development agencies.

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