Farming with the Resource Management Act focus of meeting

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 553, 13 September 1994, Page 2

Farming with the Resource Management Act focus of meeting

The complexities of new resource management laws is the subject of a special meeting next week. On Wednesday 21 September

at 7.30pm in the Ohakune Lions' Den the Waimarino Branch of Federated Farmers has invited the regional council's director of re-

sources and the Ruapehu District Council planners to explain the complexity and requirements of the RMA. The meeting is open to all farmers. It is only a few years ago that farmers were encouraged to increase production and subsidy money was available for land clearance and drainage work. But with the passing of the Resource Management Act these types of activities are in many cases now restricted or controlled. Drainage of wet lands, building bridges or cul verts across water wayjs, discharges of contaminants, the taking of water, the

building of dams, landfills, clearance of land, harvesting of forests, tracking and excavating are all activities that are controlled by the RMA. Whether an activity is permitted, controlled or prohibited depends on the regional or district plans. The ManawatuWanganui Regional Council through its regional plans controls the use of land and water for soil conservation and water quality. The district council through its district plan controls the use of land, subdivision, riparian management and access, the protection of significant indigenous fauna and vegetation etc.

Unlessan activity is 'permitted' a resource consent is required from the appropriate council.