Have your say on Bay's coastal care

Omokoroa Beach.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council is inviting people to have their say on how the region's coastal areas should be cared for.

People can make a submission on the Proposed Bay of Plenty Regional Coastal Environment Plan by August 22, 2014.

Regional council strategy general manager Fiona McTavish said that it was important for people to take a look at the plan and let the council know what they thought.

The proposed plan includes new rules for mangrove removal, aquaculture and sewage discharge from boats. It also contains new policies for managing tsunami risk and identifies four new harbour development zones in the Tauranga Harbour.

Areas with significant natural and wildlife values have been re-classified and re-mapped.

Under the proposed plan the most sensitive of these areas will be protected from activities like mining and petroleum extraction, vehicle use, land reclamation and digging new drains.

A Coastal State of the Environment Report has also been prepared. It provides a summary of current management activities, threats and environmental monitoring information relating to the Bay of Plenty coastal environment. The report is available at www.boprc.govt.nz/coastalreport.

From Tuesday June 24, the plan and submission information will be available at www.boprc.govt.nz/coastalplan or from Regional Council offices, public libraries, district and city council offices in the region.