Feedback wanted on proposed navigation safety changes

Northlanders are being asked for feedback on proposed bylaw changes designed to make our harbours and estuaries safer and reflect changing recreational use of them.

The public will have two months - from Saturday 03 December until Friday 03 February next year – to comment on the proposed changes to the Northland Regional Council’s Navigation Safety Bylaw.

The council’s Opua-based Regional Harbourmaster, Jim Lyle, says the longer-than-usual consultation period is designed to ensure that both local residents – and those who regularly visit our coastal areas over the summer break - have plenty of time to have their say.

Mr Lyle says the proposed changes will incorporate safety improvements and reflect changing maritime recreational activities.

“Maritime incidents over the past several years have been analysed and the information gathered has led to the proposal to amend or introduce a number of bylaw clauses to improve safety,” he says.

“The bylaw is also being updated to include changes in maritime recreational activities and the effects these have on other users of our waters and coastal communities.”

He says some procedural changes are also proposed where these are needed, as a result of incidents and feedback received from various users and user groups.

Some of the main changes being proposed are tightened life jacket requirements, new or altered areas designated for high-speed activities, removal of some existing ski lanes, restrictions on the transfer of mooring licenses and an increased emphasis on mooring maintenance.

“We’re a region of water users and coastal communities and I’m keen for everyone who uses the marine environment to have their say on the proposal,” Mr Lyle says.

A summary of the main changes proposed in the Draft Navigation Safety Bylaw 2012 – along with a detailed comparison with the current bylaws – will be available from 03 December on the council’s website at www.nrc.govt.nz/draftnavbylaw

Information is also available by phoning the regional council on 0800 002 004.

Mr Lyle says hearings to consider the public submissions will be held in late February.