Northland coastal property owners have until July – when changes to the Regional Coastal Plan take effect – to keep stock out of the region’s tidal areas.

The change is designed to minimise the environmental effects – especially on water quality – from stock grazing below the high tide mark in estuaries and harbours.

Northland Regional Council’s Monitoring Programme Manager – Coastal, Jacquie Reed, said unauthorised stock access to – and use of – the Coastal Marine Area (CMA) becomes a ‘prohibited activity’ on July 01. 

She said the Council changed its Regional Coastal Plan to ban stock from tidal areas in 2004, but allowed a five year grace period for its implementation.

“Council has been warning of the Plan change for several years now, including writing to landowners and working with them to exclude stock from the CMA.”

“Many people have already taken steps to comply with the new rules and we’re pleased by that.”

However, with the July 01 deadline fast approaching, the Council is writing to about 2000 affected property owners around Northland to remind them of their new obligations. About 500 letters have already been sent and the initial feedback has been positive. “Initially we’ll be focusing on those people whose stock still has access to areas close to traditional seafood harvesting grounds, popular swimming areas or marine farms.”

She said those who continue to breach the ban will risk penalties ranging from a $750 instant fine through to prosecution.

“However, despite these new penalties, the Regional Council would much prefer to continue to work with landowners and will typically take enforcement action as a last resort.”

To that end, the Council has set aside about $100,000 from its 2009 Environment Fund to help landowners meet some of the costs of keeping stock out of the CMA.

“As a result of feedback so far we’ve been able to identify areas with high biodiversity, which will enable land owners to apply for funding to help with fencing.”

Jacquie Reed said the cost of complying with the new rules will depend on a variety of factors including terrain and stock type and numbers.

 “However, these costs don’t need to be prohibitive and in many cases a simple one or two wire electric fence is all that will be needed.”