Federated Farmers are advocating for a reduction in the significant 9% rates rise proposed for year 1 of the 10 year plan. We are asking that Council retain their 100% ownership of Port Taranaki Ltd to offset the need for rates increases. Importantly, we are asking council to continue its farmer led approach to freshwater management in what will be a challenging regulatory environment for our members. We would like to see council provide more land management officers and continue to provide Comprehensive Farm Plans, Agroforestry Plans and Conservation Plans. Feds are requesting more support for the South Taranaki and Regional Erosion Support Scheme (STRESS), and we ultimately want to see council develop a workable freshwater plan by 2025.
Feds also reminded the Regional Council that they play a key role in halting the spread of Yellow Bristle Grass, which is a significant problem in rural Taranaki. We urged the Regional Council to work with Territorial Authorities in the region to amend their road-side spraying programs and put better controls in place to control this biosecurity threat.
Feds were heard in respect to our LTP submission on 10 May 2021.