Tasman District Council supports latest aquaculture development

Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne has welcomed the Government’s latest steps to advance aquaculture.

“It is reassuring the promised changes are continuing to be made to advance the opportunities presented by aquaculture to the District and the wider economy.”

In providing the legislative framework necessary the Government has focused on the future needs and opportunities of the industry and has not limited investment to just mussels.

“The very real opportunities for the sustainable development of species beyond the traditional Greenshell Mussel and scallops have been known for some time and this legislative change will allow those opportunities to come to fruition”, said Mayor Kempthorne.

“In providing for regional decision-making as opposed to national determinations, the local communities are able to plan for their future taking into account the unique regional features and needs of those communities.

“Every area is unique, as are the environmental controls required to ensure people have access to a region’s resources without infringing on the opportunities for others. This legislative move allows local communities to determine the most appropriate and sustainable balance between growth and development and the environmental and amenity value of the resource.

“We are certainly looking forward to further discussion with the Government, our communities and the aquaculture industry as to how we can enact these provisions to achieve the greatest good for all”, concluded Mayor Kempthorne.

ENDS

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