Have your say on pests in the Bay

Environment Bay of Plenty is encouraging local residents to give feedback on pest management in the Bay of Plenty as part of a five year review of the Regional Pest Management Strategy.

The consultation document discusses what the regional council’s role is in pest management, what is considered a pest and the categories they fit into as well as how the Council intends work with other agencies in the management of pests.

Environment Bay of Plenty Group Manager Land Management Warwick Murray said the document aims to get the community thinking about what impact pests can have on our region and how we should approach them.

“There have been some changes since we last looked at pest management in the Bay and we need to consider things like climate change and the gateway to pests we have with one of the country’s busiest ports,” he said.

Three principles are proposed to guide how Council will carry out its role. These will cover: the priority Council will put on working to prevent new pests establishing in the Bay; the best way to cost effectively deal to established pests; and how to manage pests that cannot be controlled cost-effectively.

The feedback received from the public will guide Environment Bay of Plenty on what action needs to be taken over the next five years. Once the Proposed Regional Pest Management Strategy is drafted, the document will again go out for public consultation before becoming operative.

The consultation document, Pest Management in the Bay of Plenty and feedback forms are available on Environment Bay of Plenty’s website www.envbop.govt.nz or phone 0800 ENVBOP (368 267).

ENDS

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