The Bay of Plenty Regional Council is asking for public submissions on its draft regional pest management strategy.
'This draft strategy will guide the way we control pests in our region – it will affect our community and environment so we want to make sure we have got it right,” says Bay of Plenty Regional Council acting chief executive Mary-Anne Macleod.
'Feedback from the community is crucial to ensure an effective Strategy.”

The draft strategy contains rules for the control of pest plants and pest animals across the Bay of Plenty. It sets out the roles and responsibilities for council and all landowners and occupiers in the region.

'The draft strategy identifies a set of key outcomes that we wish to see achieved, and some high level objectives and rules that need to be followed to help realise these outcomes.

'Pest management is a critical component of our biosecurity system, and contributes to achieving the overall vision for biosecurity in New Zealand where our unique natural resources, our plants and animals are all kept safe and secure from damaging pests and diseases.”

Achieving the outcomes of the draft strategy will mean different things to different people.
'For some it will mean clean water free from weeds, for others it will mean protecting Biodiversity and maintaining recreational and cultural values.

'As a landowner or occupier you are responsible for managing pests.
'The draft regional pest management strategy has rules in place, designed to help you with pest control and management. Therefore, it's important that we understand your views on the rules and guidelines included in the draft strategy.”

Submissions must be with the council by 4pm, Tuesday November 30, 2010.

Drop-in days will be held across the region when staff will be available to discuss the draft strategy. Following are the details of the drop-in days:

Rotorua – Wednesday October 20, Regional Council office, 1125 Arawa Street, from 8am to 5pm.

Tauranga – Wednesday October 27, Regional Council office, 6 Rata Street from 8am to 5pm.

Katikati – Friday October 29, Resource Centre, 43 Beach Road, from noon to 6pm.

Opotiki - Monday November 1, Regional Council office, 72 Bridge Street, from 8am to 5pm.

Whakatane – Wednesday November 3, Regional Council office, 5 Quay Street, from 8am to 5pm.

The document and submission forms can be accessed at www.envbop.govt.nz