East Coast beach access bylaw submissions opening soon
A vehicle bylaw to protect Marlborough's East Coast is heading to a subcommittee, so work can continue on the proposal over the summer holiday. Appointed by Council, the subcommittee will finalise the proposal and open public submissions before full Council reconvenes in late February 2021.
In its final meeting of the year today, councillors unanimously agreed with a staff recommendation to move forward with a proposed vehicle ban on the beaches, reefs and dunes between the Awatere and Waima/Ure river mouths, a stretch of coastline where more than half - 28.5km of the total 48.5km - is recognised as ecologically significant.
The area is known for its cultural significance to multiple iwi, including statutory claims and other longstanding connections. With pā sites throughout the area, the coast is home to mahinga kai (food gathering) of significance from the sea and rivers.
The proposed bylaw responds to public safety concerns about increased use of the coastal area, coupled with unexpected discoveries by scientists following the Kaikōura earthquake. The dramatic change to Marlborough's East Coast has been the biggest transformation observed as a result of any global earthquake in modern times. The high tide mark shifted as much as 200 metres, leaving more exposed beach. In places where access was previously restricted by tides, it is now possible to walk or drive at any time. The damage caused by the quake, coupled with the increased access, has led to mounting pressure on the area's unique ecosystem.
The public will continue to have beach access. The proposed change, which will open for public consultation soon, is the unchecked vehicle use that's posing a safety risk and accelerating ecological damage, said Councillor Gerald Hope, Deputy Chair of the Environment Committee.
Since agreeing to move forward with protecting the area in December 2019, Council has been talking with iwi, community groups and others with an interest in the coast. In recent months, councillors have received reports and updates on the progress of the proposed bylaw, including alternatives to a vehicle ban, to protect public safety and the East Coast ecosystems. Council has considered the alternatives, such as relying on education to reduce speed, keeping to designated routes or types of vehicles allowed.
The Council recognises that water and recreation are central to the quality of life in Marlborough, which is why this proposal considers the cultural, recreational, economic, scientific and ecological role of the area. The aim of the bylaw is continued use of the coastal area in a way that restores and conserves it for future generations, Clr Hope said.
Marlborough's proposed bylaw is in line with other councils across New Zealand, where vehicles are commonly restricted or banned from beaches with exceptions, such as launching or retrieving a boat or carrying out emergency activities.
The draft bylaw that goes to the public for consultation will include exceptions to the vehicle ban, such as for boat launching and access by authorised agencies. Access for walking, cycling and horse trekking won't be affected by the new bylaw. Under this proposal, vehicles would be allowed under a set speed limit on a stretch of coast south of the Waima/Ure River mouth.
Mayor John Leggett and councillors David Oddie, Gerald Hope and Jamie Arbuckle have been appointed to the sub-committee of the Planning, Finance & Community Committee, which is able to make decisions about the bylaw and advance it to the notification stage with the public. The next steps are to finalise engagement with iwi, finalise the draft proposal, update the East Coast technical report, develop a consultation plan (including the submission period for the public) and notify the public to formally open the submission process.
The full Council will appoint a hearings panel after reconvening in February, before submissions close.
See more information on our related web page
Disclaimer
The information in this media statement was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.