Frequently Asked Questions

What do I have to do to meet the requirements of my Ongoing Monitoring and Management Plan?

An Ongoing Monitoring and Management Plan (OMMP) will generally require that soil, groundwater or both be periodically monitored to assure that human health and environmental risks remain at an acceptable level. In addition to preparing the OMMP, we can develop and maintain a sampling and reporting schedule that will allow you to meet all of the conditions of the OMMP and satisfy your consent conditions.

How can I prevent operations on my property from causing contamination?

We can work with you to develop an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) tailored to your specific business that establishes procedures for handling potentially toxic chemicals and other materials that may pose a risk to human health or the environment. The EMP will formalise operational procedures to minimize the chance of spills or other releases and list the steps that need to be taken in the event of an accident or spill.

Can I challenge a proposed plan change?

Plan changes generally follow a public notification process which allows parties who consider they may be affected to make a submission. Submissions can and often are lodged by individuals and Council staff can advise on the process for completing the required submission form. It is often advisable to engage a lawyer or consultant planner to prepare a submission and attend the submissions hearing. Our planners can give advice on the scope to make a submission and the process involved.

Who has experience in Plan Changes?

You need to engage the services of a planner experienced in plan change work. There is a complex process that must be followed under the Resource Management Act and you need good advice and project management through this process. Our planners are skilled in plan change work and can advise at the initial consultation stage what is involved.

Can I apply to change the zoning on my property?

The Resource Management Act provides a process by which private plan change applications can be made. You need to engage the services of a planner experienced in plan change work. There is a complex process that must be followed and you need good advice and project management through this process. Our planners are skilled in plan change work and can advise at the initial consultation stage what is involved.

How do I complete a Plan Change?

You need to engage the services of a planner experienced in plan change work. There is a complex process that must be followed under the Resource Management Act and you need good advice and project management through this process. Our planners are skilled in plan change work and can advise at the initial consultation stage what is involved.

How can I minimise the environmental impact of my development?

We believe “creating great places” should involve a cost-effective, environmentally sustainable approach to any project that involves a valuable natural resource, such as native bush or streams. We will offer minimum impact approaches to all our projects, the aim being not only to protect our flora, fauna and waterways but also to add environmental value where we can.

Who has experience in Ecology?

We have skilled ecologists who can provide most services, or can advise a specialist ecologist where a particularly complex issue may need to be investigated.

Where can I find an experienced/reputable ecologist?

We have skilled ecologists who can provide most services, or can advise a specialist ecologist where a particularly complex issue may need to be investigated.

Do I need an ecologist?

If your project involves modifying any vegetation or water courses you will need the services of an ecologist. Ecologists are also emplyed to reort on the ecological impacts of a development, or to design ecological enhancement. We have skilled ecologists who can provide these services.