Ninety submissions for proposed nutrient rules

Ninety submissions have been received during the formal submission period for the proposed Lake Rotorua Nutrient rules.

This is lower than normal for a plan change of this significance and reflected the communities input into the drafting of the proposed rules.

The proposed change to the Bay of Plenty Regional Water and Land Plan is one of four components of the integrated framework delivered by the Rotorua Te Arawa Lakes Programme (RTALP) aimed at protecting the water quality in Lake Rotorua.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chair Doug Leeder said everyone wanted long term sustainable water quality and agreed that changes must be made.

"We've spent the past two and half years consulting with our communities to help develop the proposed rules, and would like to thank those who took the time to express their views in a formal submission," he said.

A summary of the submissions received was being prepared and would be released on July 4.

The public would have the opportunity to provide feedback on changes proposed by the submissions. Submitters would be notified of the hearing dates which are expected to be in November.

The council along with the Ministry of the Environment has set aside $5.5million to help affected landowners reach the requirements of the rules.

Landowners can find out how to access the fund and what changes they may need to make by phoning the dedicated Landowners Advice Line on 07 921 3377, visit www.rotorualakes.co.nz, or pop in to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council office at 1125 Arawa Street, Rotorua.