Changes to farming regulations on the horizon

19 August 2013

Changes to farming regulations on the horizon

Federated Farmers supports Government proposals to change the Resource Management Act (RMA) but there are some changes still to be made.

“The principles behind the changes are to give certainty to the planning process and to consenting,” said Ian Mackenzie, Federated Farmers’ Environment spokesperson.

“I’m sure everyone will welcome greater consistency and faster decision making. The changes should make local authorities better to deal with and more accountable.

“We are disappointed that the Government is still not addressing inconsistencies with the framework of the National Policy Statement for Fresh Water; devised to protect indigenous aquatic flora, fauna and habitat. The proposed RMA changes continue to protect introduced predator species, such as trout. You cannot have it both ways.

“The proposals should lead to some significant public discussion that has already kicked off. Every New Zealander has a vested interest in protecting our outstanding valuable landscape.

“From a high level, regional councils will empower communities to inject their values on landscapes and water in the planning process. This gives certainty to where development is allowed.

“There is a lot of talk around the “gutting” of the RMA, and it will lead to supposed degradation of the environment. That is dismissive to the local communities, given those same critics are unhappy with the outcomes of the current RMA,” he added.

ENDS

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