04 Apr 09
Surfbreak Protection has some concerns about, and is opposed to aspects of the Resource Management Amendment (simplifying & streamlining) Bill. Surfbreak does also support some aspects of the Bill.
In SPS's
submission many of the changes suggested to be made by the Bill
are in reality aimed at curtailing public participation in order to
promote development at the expense of the community and environment
as a whole. Public participation is fundamental to achieving the
purpose of the Act (RMA).
The act is the pivotal legislation that controls activities and
developments that impact on the natural and physical resources and
the environment as a whole. Central to the Act's purpose is how
those natural and physical resources are developed, protected and
sustainably managed for the forseeable needs of future generations
and provide for their social, economic and cultural wellbeing.
If human kind is not careful, unchecked residential development
on our coastline will leave us with little to speak of in terms of
the best natural characteristics, many of which have surfbreaks
located at them. Surfing may become a mostly urban based activity,
something we need to think about! The amenity value of surfing (and
other recreational pursuits) of remote or wilderness areas should
be protected for all of us to enjoy.