Strategy to look at recreation on harbour

If you want to have a say about how people use Tauranga Harbour for recreation, and how it's managed, now's the time to speak up. The Draft Tauranga Harbour Recreation Strategy is open for comment.

Environment Bay of Plenty councillor Raewyn Bennett says the document outlines how the region wants recreation on the harbour managed, as well as opportunities for recreation improved over the next ten years.

"We really need feedback from people who use the harbour to find out whether what we've got in our draft is correct. This is your chance to let us know what you think."

The strategy is a joint effort between Environment Bay of Plenty, Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council. Environment Bay of Plenty is coordinating the strategy's development.

"Once finalised, the strategy will outline the tasks that need to carried out by each council so that recreational use of the harbour can be managed the way people want."

Ms Bennett says although this strategy and consultation focuses specifically on recreation, it's just one important piece in getting the overall management of the harbour correct.

"Tauranga Harbour has been called one of the region's biggest playgrounds. It's important we know we're getting the balance for its management correct. Last year Environment Bay of Plenty spent $2.4 million on a range of actions including implementation of the Tauranga Harbour Integrated Management Strategy, Environmental and Community Care programmes, navigation safety, and planning and investigation.

"It's important we know how residents, particularly iwi, want to see the harbour being used during the next 10 years so get your submissions in."

If you would like to have your say, submissions close on 30 November 2007. Public meetings will be held at the Mount Maunganui Cosmopolitan Club on Wednesday 10 October at 7pm, and in Katikati at the Katikati Memorial Hall on Tuesday 16 October at 7pm. A presentation will be given outlining the Strategy and there will be time for questions.

Copies of the draft strategy and submission forms can be picked up from Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Environment Bay of Plenty. Alternatively, people can also view the strategy on Environment Bay of plenty's website

ENDS

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