Our Plan Officers Response to Submissions relating to Pest Control

Transcription

1 Our Plan Officers Response to Submissions relating to Pest Control 1 Pest Control comments received Officer's Response and Recommendation Page 1 of 12

2 13 Pest Control Sharleen Baird and Gren Christie (submission 104) 13. Pest Control - Increase spending as landowners have variable commitment to keeping pest numbers down. Judy Bogaard (submission 107) I would like to see more done in the Wairoa area concerning weed control in the Wairoa waterways and on its roads, in particular reducing the proliferation of Japanese honey suckle. I would like to see more done about pest control, in particular rock pigeons are multiplying rapidly in the Wairoa area, nesting especially under bridges and having effects on crops. Mr Vaughan Cooper (submission 8) The Council have done a superb job in drastically reducing possum etc. numbers in recent times. Most residents now see a dramatic increase in native bird numbers. Many residents have planted trees/plants to support the increase. We support the preferred option of increase spending and the move to splitting the amount across General Rates (30%) and Rural Rates (70%). Landowners may not welcome the split but they benefit from the lower numbers in terms of the potential transfer of disease vectors into domestic farm animals. Mrs Leanne Cotter-Arlidge (submission 9) I know good things have been achieved on Napier Hill and it is important to try to achieve biodiversity through a balance in pest control. the trick is to achieve the balance, Rachel Coxhead (submission 10) Rely on general landowner practices to sustain low possum numbers Put a price on possum skins (could be subsidesed if we're not paying for poison programmes) to encourage people to trap for a career (the fur is a valuable bonus). Mr Ben Douglas (submission 12) Important Page 2 of 12

3 Mr Dan Elderkamp Forest & Bird, CHB Branch (submission 17) The HBRC's and TBfree possum control programme in Central Hawkes Bay has achieved significant biodiversity benefits with a significant increase in native bird numbers particularly tui. With TBfree reducing their operations we support an extension of the HBRC programme with the associated increase in spending. Amelia Geary Forest & Bird (submission 20) 17. The Council have done a superb job in drastically reducing possum etc. numbers in recent times. Most residents now see a dramatic increase in native bird numbers. Many residents have planted trees/plants to support the increase. We support the preferred option of increase spending and the move to splitting the amount across General Rates (30%) and Rural Rates (70%). Landowners may not welcome the split but they benefit from the lower numbers in terms of the potential transfer of disease vectors into domestic farm animals. Tim Gilbertson Waitukai Farm (submission 28) 1 Feral cats HBRC needs to take action to eradicate feral cats by introducing controls on domestic cats.this requires lobbying and cooperating with central government HBRC efforts to date are ineffectual and wasteful HBRC needs to show leadership and courage which uptil now have been sadly lacking Killing feral cats is no solution and echoes the early efforts to eradicate possums where HBRC wasted millions of dollars targeting areas which were immediately re infested e g St lawrence Stn circa possums killed 4000 possums moved in from tamumu forest with in two years brainless Mrs Gillian Mangin (submission 47) to use funds not required for Bovine Tb to ensure we keep vector control and support Cape to City initiative Jean Martin (submission 50) Rely on general landowner practices to sustain low possum numbers This submission is in regards to the Hawke's Bay Regional Council pest control rates (Northern). For many years we have paid rates for pest control (mainly possums). However Council is no longer going to provide this service. They now expect the land owners to pay for their own pest control. The problem with this is that the farmers are still expected to pay the same rates to the Hawke's Bay Regional Council. This means in effect that farmers will be paying twice; once to the HBRC in rates, and then to a contractor to come in to trap or poison. The fact is the Council is charging for a service that they are not going to provide!! The pest control rate is $2 per hectare per year. The cost of a contractor is approximately the same depending on contour. The farmers will be monitored and if they fail to undertake the pest control the Council has said they will be liable for a hefty fine or prosecution for non compliance. I am asking you whether this is a fair and reasonable situation. Can a Council charge for a service they are not going to provide? As a suggestion would the Regional Council employ a permanent person based in Wairoa to do the pest control job? This way the farmers would at least be getting something for their rates. Page 3 of 12

4 Hastings District Council (submission 36) Jessica Cockburn on behalf of NZ Forest Managers (submission 55) John Cheyne on behalf of Te Taiao HB Environment Forum (submission 59) Kathryn Bayliss (submission 65) Page 4 of 12

5 Coralee Matena Hawke s Bay Federated Farmers (submission 123) Big Ticket Item Biodiversity and Pest Control 73. As with the comments earlier regarding TB funding, we note the disparity between the comments made in this section of the Plan, and in the earlier section Managing and Monitoring our Land. In summary, the conflicting/confusing statements are: a. HBRC will not fund the programme (TB Vector programme) after 30 June 2016 b. Bovine tb rates will no longer be levied in c. TB free NZ has reviewed how they fund the Bovine TB control programme d. We re not rating for TB Vector anymore, but in previous years the TB Vector Rate was applied to General Rates ($230,000) and Rural Targeted Rates ($530,000) e. TB Free are withdrawing their control efforts on $140,000 hectares of land. This area will be transferred into HBRC s possum control area programme f. Extra staff support is now needed to manage this programme effectively, covering an area that increases from 510,000 hectares to 650,000 hectares. g. Option for pest control Increase spending to keep possum numbers low, with $100,000 in funded 30% from the General Rates and 70% funded from the Rural Targeted Rate (preferred option) or rely on general landowner practices to sustain low possum numbers. 74. Not only are the details in the Plan conflicting and confusing about what is happening in this space, but our members are similarly being told conflicting messages directly. A number of members believe that they will be asked to pay twice for pest control, as they will be required to pay once to the Council via the general rate for pest control, and then in addition, as per g) above, if the extra funding is not provided (via the general rate and also via the rural targeted rate), these landowners will be required to pay for individual possum control. 75. Federated Farmers does not believe the consultation that the Council has taken on this issue is transparent. We do not believe the Council is in a position where it can progress with any of the options provided, as by no means has the Council provided for fair consultation. We are not clear what exactly is proposed. We therefore recommend that Council halt any further decisions on this matter until it is clear what they are proposing, and further, what the direct impact on the ratepayer will be. 76. Federated Farmers is further concerned about how the approach to the TB Vector Programme affects the various contributions that other parties make. Federated Farmers has recently submitted to all Regional Council s asking that they continue to fund their share of their regions respective TB programmes to mid We have asked that Regional Council s continue this funding for one more year until OSPRI s new funding model is in place. As we note that the Hawke s Bay Regional Council s commitment to the programme does not expire till 2016, we therefore ask that the Council continue to fund the programme as previous until the new model is in place, and the necessary public consultation has occurred. 77. Control of bovine Tb is crucial to the pastoral farming industries of the region. The control of feral vectors (mainly possums) is a key part of the strategy to reduce the incidence of bovine Tb. Federated Farmers believes that the control/elimination of possums has overwhelming positive effects to environmental and cultural wellbeing, as well as on the economic wellbeing of the region. 78. Federated Farmers believes that it is crucial that Council continues to fund the regional share of the OSPRI Tb vector control programme in the region, in order to keep the programme fully resourced, including the retention of proportionate contributions from Central Government and the dairy, beef and dairy industries (every dollar contributed by ratepayers has been matched with levy-payer and Crown funding to achieve 6 to 9 dollars spend on possum killing). We therefore encourage Council to follow the lead of other Regional Council s and continue funding until the new model is established. This is in addition to providing more detail and clarity about the Council s wider pest control activities and proposals in order to ensure that ratepayers are consulted as appropriate. Page 5 of 12

6 79. We believe that it is prudent for the Council to continue to fund possum control in this way, as not only is changing the funding at this time pre-emptive of the contracted conclusion of the contract with OSPRI, but it is also in advance and therefore out of sync with the review of the Regional Pest Management Plan which we see in the draft LTP, will begin in We therefore encourage Council to maintain the current funding structure (to maintain the levies received from other parties), undertake essential consultation with landowners about what they believe to be beneficial, and propose in the draft 2016 annual plan, a revised possum pest management structure that also aligns with the reviewed Regional Pest Management Plan. Robert McLean (submission 124) Pests: Deer numbers are escalating...in our area...of whangaehu..cookstooth\ Wimbledon... Across the boundary into tararua...in the tautane reserve..fallow have done huge damage...not seen since possums were eliminated. Over 20 years ago now.the planting of small woodlots has led to a lot more cover... The pest bait stations are working amazingling... I see flocks of tui this year...up to 10 in a group... This year Kay Griffiths,got funds for rat baiting our McLean's bush reserve And we will want to carry this on...bell birds,kereru, are booming... Ferral cats... Animal health problem...large numbers in. Everywhere, even with constant trapping and fox terrier...hunting forays... Public education, to this next pest problem for our bird and animal health Target vet clubs,spca...schools... Dennis Mitchell HB TBfree Committee (submission 126) Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the draft Annual plan for 2015/.16. The Hawkes Bay TBfree committee wishes to record its sincere thanks and appreciation for the continuing positive relationship between Council staff and the OSpRI/TBfree team delivering the TBfree National Pest Management plan. There have been some difficulties in securing the funding for. the programme for the 2015/16 year as OSPRI has endeavoured to move to a new funding regime. Delays in reaching agreement and the requirement to review the TBfree management plan have set back the proposed changes until 1 July With this in mind, our committee wish to commend the Hawkes Bay Regional Council for agreeing to fund the interim transition year based on an agreed amount. Landowners in Hawkes Bay have made a huge long term investment in Possum control via industry levies and Council regional share contributions. The success of the TB programme has almost eliminated bovine TB from local cattle and deer herds. It has ensured expo( market access and maintained New Zealand's reputation as a provider of safe, high quality food. Biodiversity gains have also been immeasurable. Our committee strongly believe that the co-operation between TBfree and Council pest control programmes has delivered impressive economic and environmental gains and that these must be maintained. By agreeing to fund the year the Council will ensure that a vector programme can proceed in Hawkes Bay. This will protect our long term investment to date and help mitigate the risk of bovine IB infection in our herds, especially from wildlife. Our committee look forward to maintaining a positive relationship with Council staff even once funding has ceased. This will ensure ongoing co-operation delivering the best and most cost effective results from our respective programmes for landowners and the region as a whole. Page 6 of 12

7 Mrs Sara Muti OSPRI (submission 56) Thank you for the opportunity to make a submission. This letter and attachment constitutes OSPRI s submission on funding of the TB plan, a longrunning and successful collaboration between multiple funding parties, including Hawkes Bay Regional Council. Through various productive discussions with Council management and based on their recommendations made to the Environment and Services Committee, we understand that the Council is considering contributing $60K, plus an estimated $95K carried forward from the current year, toward the TB programme for 2015/16. We understand that this agreement has been based on the Council undertaking the transition bait station work and we appreciate the careful consideration that has been given to this matter. We agree that there are very good grounds for the Council, on behalf of landowners, to fund the programme for another year after which a new funding methodology will take effect. The Council s contribution for 2015/16 will go toward an overall programme in the region (subject to final confirmation) of around $5M. Our submission in support of funding is very simple: - the case for landowner funding of the TB Plan has never been stronger, based on the extensive funding review work conducted by a stakeholder group (including Council representation); - the only way that landowner funding can be collected in 2015/16 is with the Council s assistance; - funding of the Plan guarantees a very significant co-investment in the region by other funders; and - it is recognised that Councils are unlikely to be involved in funding in future consistent with the funding review recommendations but that new approach cannot unfortunately apply until 1 July 2016 alongside implementation of a new TB Plan. We also recognise that you may be concerned about whether other Councils are funding, and whether OSPRI s approach to managing the programme in 2015/16 will be fair to all funders. We will be fair, and explain the approach in our submission. The TBfree programme has enjoyed, and continues to enjoy, long-running support from Councils. We appreciate that support. We would like to be heard at your oral hearing; please contact Peter Alsop in the first instance regarding our submission ( ; peter.alsop@ospri.co.nz). Introduction 1. OSPRI welcomes the opportunity to make a submission. We understand from discussions with Council management that the Council is considering contributing $60K, plus an estimated $90K carried forward from the current year, to the TB programme for 2015/16. There are good reasons to support this funding for another year after which a new funding methodology will take effect. The Council s contribution will go toward an overall programme in the region (subject to final confirmation) of around $5M. Status of TB funding across Councils 2. The TB plan has been a long-running collaboration with multiple funding parties, including Regional Councils, Territorial Local Authorities and a Biosecurity Act Land levy on behalf of landowners. Together we have made significant progress to control bovine TB, with wide-ranging benefits to landowners. We have also generated significant biodiversity benefits from extensive pest control work, with high value to the wider community. 3. Most Councils are proposing they continue funding the TB programme for 2015/16, consistent with a longstanding agreement that Regional Councils or TLAs meet (on average) 10% of the programme s pest control costs to help control bovine TB. Other Councils are proposing that such funding be discontinued. 4. We recognise that the recent funding review recommended Councils not play a role in funding matters in future. However, this new approach has not yet been finalised and implemented and as you have recognised there are good reasons for the Council to remain involved for 2015/ We are aware some Councils are concerned whether other Councils are funding, and whether our approach to managing the programme in 2015/16 will be fair to all funders. We address this matter below. Rationale for funding on behalf of landowners 6. While the Council has proposed funding, we would like to reinforce the key points that strongly support the case for Council funding in 2015/16. These are: - the case for landowner funding of Page 7 of 12

8 the TB Plan is stronger than ever this is what the recent funding review conducted by all funders (including a Council representative) found and emphasised. We have attached to this submission a short extract from the stakeholder funding review report; - our understanding of the benefits landowners receive is now deeper the funding review work found that landowners receive six 1 types of benefit from the programme (separate from the specific industry benefits enjoyed by cattle and deer farmers). This deeper understanding and robust justification further bolsters the case for funding; - landowners are currently paying (via Council contributions) about the right amount the funding review found that, across the six 1 types of benefits, the current landowner funding share (developed as part of a negotiated funding agreement about 12 years ago) is about right; and 1 The six types of landowner benefits (of differing levels) are reduced possum control expenditure; erosion control; avoided possum damage; increased real option values of land; reduction in disputes; and reduced risks of liability to manage or eradicate possums. - landowners are happy to pay for it our last survey about attitudes toward the TBfree programme found that there remains very strong support for the programme, for both TB control and conservation benefits. We also know, through our regional TBfree farmer committees, that there is significant concern about potential funding cuts to the programme from Councils not funding in 2015/ Taken together, the case in support of the Council s proposed funding on behalf of landowners is very strong. Ensuring a fair and principled approach to funding decisions across Councils 8. Some Councils have asked what will happen to the programme in their area if they do not fund on behalf of landowners. All Councils will understand that we have to be principled and fair about our approach, including to avoid the risk of free-riding. For transparency, we are explaining our approach in submissions to all Councils. - If a Council funds, we will guarantee a significant pest control programme within that region. It will be funded well in excess of the Council s own contribution through a significant multiplier on Council funding using industry and Crown funds - If a Council doesn t fund, we can t guarantee the size of the programme in that region. This will depend on what happens with our funding overall and the prioritisation choices we need to make about how best to spread the funding we have. Without an obligation for other funders to co-invest regionally (without the Council s contribution), OSPRI would have flexibility to use that industry and Crown funding in the best way possible for the national programme, guided by the Plan s overall goals. - If a Council funds partially, we unfortunately have no choice but to reduce the regional programme by: + whatever reduction a Council makes off the amount we ve requested; and + possibly twice that amount if the Crown, as permitted under the current funding agreement, reduces its funding dollar-for-dollar. 9. It s important we further explain the multiplier noted above. Historically, for every $1 from Councils on behalf of their landowners, other funders have invested about $9 (on average) in that region. We cannot guarantee what the multiplier will be for 2015/16 given some other Councils may not fund but, as indicated above, we are forecasting an overall programme size in your region of around $7 million (a significant multiplier on the Council s contribution). The multiplier remains a very strong incentive for Councils to fund to capture the benefits of a significant coinvestment by others. Closing comment 10. The TBfree programme has enjoyed and continues to enjoy long-running support from Councils. We believe there are very good grounds for the Council, on behalf of landowners in the area, to fund the programme for another year, after which a new funding methodology will take effect. Thank you for the consideration given to this matter. Page 8 of 12

9 Mr Gerard Pain (submission 80) Rely on general landowner practices to sustain low possum numbers Pests are not confined to rural areas alone as you no doubt know so I would submit that Pest Control should be paid for by General Rates alone. If the present system of relying on the farming community to self-fund possum control is maintained (and extended to other pests with the same level of support for subsidised areas, etc) Andrew Pearce (submission 82) Do not let hard-won gains slip backwards Mrs Helen Pedersen (submission 84) Whilst it would be preferable for landowners to take responsibility, it is unlikely that it will happen as some will always neglect it Catherine Pioletti Te Wakaminenga Wahi o Maniapoto (submission 86) Against the use of 1080 Dianne Vesty HB Fruitgrowers Association (submission 136) Rely on general landowner practices to sustain low possum numbers Support option 2 - Rely on general land owner practices to sustain low possum numbers. This is equal to Rabbit control programmes. Mr John Wauchop East Coast Hawke's Bay Conservation Board (submission 99) The Board encourages the continuation and enhancement of joint regional initiatives in the control of pests. Mr Brian Webby (submission 101) Rely on general landowner practices to sustain low possum numbers The possum travels a reasonable distance- so if a land owner has no habitat that provide refuge to possums- but has a neighbour that supplies a habitat for possums and is also not capable of eradicating their possums- and the possums travel to other neighbours who regularly eradicate them but the stats only show numbers at eradication it is not accurate as to where the possums should be targeted- so the landowners who do not have the habitat to create a refuge for them should not be burdened with extra rates Page 9 of 12

10 Did we miss anything important? Comments received relating to Pest Control Did we miss anything important? Comments received relating to Pest Control Marie Moses Waipapa-a-Iwi Mohaka Marae (submission 128) Q15 - Did we miss anything important? My name is Marie Ketia Moses and I am a Trustee and secretary of the Waipapa-A-Iwi Mohaka Marae. On behalf of our Marae I request that the Hawke's Bay Regional Council's 10 Year Plan to include the following priorities: 2. that spraying of blackberry along our beach be completed and native trees be planted and beach rods on the southern side of the river be upgraded. Page 10 of 12

11 Did we miss anything important? Comments received relating to Pest Control Consultation Point: PEST CONTROL Overall, 16 respondents were in favour of Council s preferred option to Increase spending to keep possum numbers low, with $100,000 in 2015/16 funded 30% from General Rates and 70% from rural targeted rate, while 5 were in favour of the option to rely on general landowner practices to sustain low possum numbers. A further 5 submitters did not express any preference but provided comment on issues associated with pest control. Specific points raised include: A number of submitters commented on the positive effects that HBRC s possum control area programme has had on numbers of native birds. Judy Bogaard suggests that HBRC should do more work to control Japanese honeysuckle and feral pigeons Rachel Coxhead suggests that HBRC should put a price on possum skins to encourage people to trap for a career. Jean Martin believes that farmers are being asked to pay twice under the HBRC Possum control area programme, as land owners are paying a targeted rate to HBRC and are required to meet the cost of pest control on their land. Federated Farmers suggest that there are a number of conflicting/confusing statements in the consultation document. Staff have re read the statements and believe they fairly explain the situation. Dennis Mtchell representing the HB TBfree Committee and Mrs Sara Muti of OSPRI both support the agreement HBRC has reached with OSPRI regarding the transition from the current level of funding during the 2015/16 year Catherine Pioletti Te Wakaminenga Wahi o Maniapoto states that she is against the use of Marie Moses Waipapa-a-Iwi Mohaka Marae requests that spraying of blackberry along our beach be completed and native trees be planted and beach rods on the southern side of the river be upgraded Officers Response to Comments Received HBRC is aware that there have been significant positive biodiversity outcomes from the significant reduction in possum numbers in Hawke s Bay. HBRC are now seeking to reduce the cost of ongoing maintenance and to determine the feasibility of including the control of other predators, including feral cats, into the programme. The positive comments are therefore appreciated. Staff are aware that there are increasing public concerns about the number of feral pigeons in HB and their potential impact on crops and biodiversity. A review of the Regional Pest Management Plan is programmed within the next 5 years, and it would be appropriate to consider and consult on the control of feral pigeons through the process of reviewing that plan. The control of Japanese honeysuckle is currently restricted in the Regional Pest Management Plan to an area around Lake Tutira. The extension of the area of control for Japanese honeysuckle is also best dealt with through the forthcoming review of that Plan. HBRC currently ( ) rates the owners of land parcels greater than 4 ha $1.33/ha + GST for implementing the Regional Animal Pest Management Plan (RAPMP). This covers the cost of a range of activities specified under that Plan including the control of rabbits and rooks, subsidising possum control bait, possum control area compliance monitoring and managing the possum control area programme. The RAPMP requires that landowners maintain low possum numbers on their properties once initial control work has been completed. Jean Martin farms in the Wairoa district in an area from which OSPRI will be withdrawing from in the near future. Under the RAPMP land owners are required to continue to maintain low possum numbers on their property in areas from which OSPRI (formerly the Animal Health Board) have withdrawn. In areas under the OSPRI programme farmers are not required to contribute to the programme. Jean Martin s comments result from a misunderstanding of the requirements of the RAPMP. Staff are often responding to similar misunderstandings from land owners in these areas. Page 11 of 12

12 Did we miss anything important? Comments received relating to Pest Control Staff are pleased that a mutually acceptable agreement has been able to be reached between OSPRI and HBRC for the year. Staff look forward to a constructive relationship continuing between the two organisations. HBRC uses little 1080 for pest management. It is only used with specific agreement of the land owner and can be the most cost effective way to control both rabbits and possums. HBRC does not control blackberry. The Regional Plant Pest Management Plan requires owners of land to clear blackberry along the boundary of their land where the neighbouring land is clear of the weed. Staff are not familiar with the situation raised by Marie Moses however will investigate should a formal complaint be received. HBRC assist with a number of enhancement projects in the vicinity of marae where the marae are willing to undertake ongoing maintenance work. Marie is welcome to contact HBRC staff should the marae have a specific enhancement project planned and be willing to undertake maintenance work. Marie will need to contact Wairoa District Council regarding roads. Recommendation That Council considers the submission points received relating to Pest Control, and any comments and proposals made by Council officers. Page 12 of 12