Draft Land Use Policy out for Public Comments

Land use planning and its importance is the key emphasis for the Draft Land Use Policy, available to the public for comments. The Central Policy and Planning office of the Office of the Prime Minister has released the Draft for public feedback before finalization in 2010.
It is intended that the policy document compliment the Environment Act 2003. The emphasis of the policy is sustainable development and the need to manage the pressure on the environment and natural resources. Over the years, improper and uncontrolled development has occurred in environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands, sloping lands and the foreshore which is now resulting in increased stress to natural ecosystems.
In recent years, 31% of developments on Rarotonga have been concentrated around the foreshore and 36% on sloping lands. 21% of development applications under the Environment Act 2003 required environmental impact assessment.
The development of the policy is also in response to community concerns raised regarding increased development accounting for 63.8% of foreshore problems including 13% instances of erosion damage to properties as a result of landowners making alterations to foreshore areas. Additionally, the ecological and economic risks posed by lagoon pollution, beach degradation and the island’s high vulnerability to extreme weather and climate events highlights the need for better monitoring and management of current developments.
The policy will serve as a guide to manage change and offers continuity and a framework for national planning and harmonizing government and public interests. It is based on sustainable development principles as well supporting the education of landowners and users of land on various land use practices that will enable them to manage land more effectively and efficiently for future use.
Hard copies will be made available around the island in stores as well as the Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Prime Minister.
Members of the public are encouraged to read this document and forward submissions or comments to: Liz Wright-Koteka or Maria Tuoro
Office of the Prime Minister
Phone : 25-494
Email : liz@pmoffice.gov.ck; maria@pmoffice.gov.ck
Fax : 20-856

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