Agenda of Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee

Wednesday 09 May 2012

SUBJECT: Biosecurity Operational Plans 2012/2013

REASON FOR REPORT:

1. Council is the management agency for the Hawke’s Bay Regional Pest Management Strategy (RPMS) and Regional Phytosanitary Pest Management Strategy (RPPMS). Section 85 of the Biosecurity Act 1993 requires that the management agency for a Pest Management Strategy prepare and review the operational plan for each strategy annually. Operational Plans have been prepared for both the RPMS and RPPMS and are appended to this paper for Committee reference and are available to other parties on request.

2. Staff believe that the current operational plans have proven to be effective and therefore only minor changes to the plans are proposed.

3. This agenda item seeks Council adoption of these operational plans for the 2012/13 financial year.

COMMENT:

4. Regional Pest Management Strategy:

4.1 Work in progress that is not specifically included in the RPMS has been included in the 2012/13 operational plan. This includes:

4.1.1 Further control of possums within urban and peri-urban areas;

4.1.2 Council’s participation as part of multi-agency approach to the long term management of didymo and specifically the objective of maintaining the North island free of didymo for as long as possible.

4.1.3 The surveillance of the extent of the argentine ant infestation in the region and assessment of the most effective long term management response options.

4.1.4 Provision for the encouragement of use of Flupropanate, for the selective control of Chilean needle grass. This chemical has recently been approved for use in New Zealand following the successful application to Environment Risk Management Authority (ERMA) by Marlborough District Council, Environment Canterbury and HBRC.

Appendices 1 & 2 are the Plant and Animal Pest Operational Plans 2012/13 attached for Councillors. Copies are available to others on our website www.hbrc.govt.nz

5. Regional Phytosanitary Pest Management Strategy:

5.1 There has been no requirement for HBRC to undertake any activities under the Regional Phytosanitary Pest Management Strategy. No changes are proposed to this operational plan. The plan is included with this briefing paper as Appendix 3 for Committee members only. Copies are also available on our website www.hbrc.govt.nz

DECISION MAKING PROCESS

6. Council is required to make every decision in accordance with Part 6 Sub-Part 1, of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained within this section of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded the following:

6.1 Section 88 of the Act covering the change in the mode of delivery of a significant activity and Section 97 covering a significant change in the intended level of service provision for a significant activity do not apply at this stage.

6.2 Section 83 which sets out the requirements in the Act and other enactments where a special consultative procedure must be carried out does not apply.

6.3 The decision does not fall within the definition of the Council's policy on significance.

6.4 Under the Biosecurity Act 1993 (sec 85), Council is required to review its operational plans annually.

6.5 The operational plans must be consistent with the pest management strategy they are prepared for, and therefore will only affect persons to an extent that has already been considered by Council through the process of developing the existing pest management strategy.

6.6 Section 80 of the Act covering decisions that are significantly inconsistent with any existing policy or plan does not apply.

6.7 Council can exercise its discretion under Section 79 (1) (a) and 82 (3) of the Act and make a decision on this issue without conferring directly with the community or others having given due consideration to the nature and significance of the issue to be considered and decided, and also the persons likely to be affected by or have an interest in the decisions to be made.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee recommend to Council that it:

1. Agrees that the decisions to be made are not significant under the criteria contained in Council’s adopted policy on significance and that Council can exercise its discretion under Sections 79(1)(a) and 82(3) of the Local Government Act 2002 and make decisions on this issue without conferring directly with the community and persons likely to be affected by or to have an interest in the decision due to the nature and significance of the issue to be considered and decided.

2. Adopt the:

2.1. Animal Pest Operational Plan 2012/13.

2.2. Plant Pest Operational Plan 2012/13.

2.3. Phytosanitary Operational Plan 2012/13.

In accordance with the requirements of the Biosecurity Act 1993; after the inclusion of any amendments made as a result of the Committee’s consideration.

Campbell Leckie

Manager Land Services

Mike Adye

Group Manager Asset Management

Attachment/s

1	Animal Pest Operational Plan 2012/13	Under Separate Cover
2	Plant Pest Operational Plan 2012/13	Under Separate Cover
3	Phytosanitary Pest Operational Plan 2012/13	Under Separate Cover

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee

Wednesday 09 May 2012

SUBJECT: Asset Management Group Report

Reason for Report

1. This report is provided in order to update Councillors about significant work activities under way within the Asset Management Group.

Section	Project	Activity Status Update
Engineering – Asset Management	Proposed Kairakau Community Scheme	Statement of proposal published and consultation completed. 16 submissions received by 27 April 2012 deadline. Most in support with 8 wishing to be heard. Hearing date to be set.
	Kopuawhara Scheme	Since the April 2011 flood event (included in a paper to the AM and BS Committee November 2011) the catchment has suffered two further flood events of a lesser extent, although there was still significant flooding of land and some houses downstream of the Mahanga Road bridge. Two meetings have been held with members of the community (both scheme and non-scheme contributors) to hear concerns. A complete survey of the Kopuawhara Stream to determine bank levels and stream capacity; and 1D modelling and 2D modelling is being undertaken. This is necessary to accurately figure out just where the flood water gets out of the channel, where it travels to and ponds as well as enabling mitigation options to be examined in detail. There is much local information about what happens but it is very difficult to put it all together and arrive at a solution that will suit everyone. In addition, only a handful of properties in the past have been willing or able to belong to the scheme.
	Ohuia Scheme	Getting rid of floodwater from this low lying area in a timely manner is an ongoing issue. The outlet from the Ohuia Lagoon to the Waihuatuna Lagoon is suspected of not working efficiently and this is to be examined once water levels get low enough. A survey has been completed to determine the efficiency of a drainage channel draining a swamp area above Whakaki Lake.
	Makara Scheme	2 meetings held with liaison group over the last 3 months. Two issues are being examined with the Number 1 dam. The main discharge pipe through the dam suffered damage to the outlet in April 2011 and again in January 2012. The dam has silted up since construction in the early 1980’s to such an extent that the storage volume is now about 80% of the design volume (160,000m³ of siltation). This reduces the effectiveness of the detention storage. A comprehensive report has been prepared and discussed with scheme ratepayers. The total cost to replace the pipe is $between 150,000 and $350,000 and to de-silt the dam $1.0m approximately. Further refinement of options and costs is being undertaken before reporting back to the liaison group.

	Opoho Scheme	Landuse change in part of the catchment together with a desire by one landowner to amend the drainage has resulted in a scheme review being necessary. The site has been surveyed and a 2D model of the area is being used to determine the effects of various changes to the system.
	Opoutama Flooding	A comprehensive model has been made of the Opoutama Catchment to assist Wairoa District Council (and HBRC) with flooding and land use issues in the catchment. A draft report has been prepared and discussed with a key landowner.
	Central and Southern Scheme	Removal of willows from a section of Makara Stream, below the Makara Scheme area has been largely completed. The willows were causing congestion in the stream and resulting in flooding over a section of Kairakau Road.
	Proposed Waimarama Scheme	Since the April 2011 flooding staff have liaised with a working group to look at forming a flood protection scheme for the area. A survey of the complete stream from the mouth to Te Apiti North Road has been completed and a design grade, profile and capacity determined. A draft report including a rating proposal has been prepared awaiting comment from the liaison team. Subject to agreement from the working group input from the wider community will be sought through a Statement of Proposal. A meeting has been held with some of the rural community above the proposed scheme area to hear their concerns and an options report is to be presented to them in July/Aug. 2012.
	River Gravel study	The river gravel supply and transport study has commenced with a contract with NIWA to work with HBRC staff on two aspects of the work programme developed in the scoping report approved by Council in November 2010. A report “Temporal variation in rainfall, flood occurrence and bed level in some rivers of the HB Region, March 2012” has been completed. The second part of the NIWA work involves bulk and surface grain size distribution beginning with the Ngaruroro River. This will then be used to create a 1D morphological model to examine sediment transport, change processes and ultimately (with a shoreline model) the effects of gravel changes to the shoreline. Data collection has been delayed owing to the very wet summer and constant elevated river levels. Auckland University has been engaged to study the effectiveness of beach raking. A master’s student is to carry out this study assisted by HBRC. Field work is currently underway and the study is expected to take about a year subject to weather.

	Pathways	Construction of the Hawke’s Bay Trails has been in full swing in the 2011-2012 year albeit hampered by the ongoing wet weather. Sections of Trail completed include: · On-road cycle lanes on Tukituki Road. · Off-road lime-sand pathway on Waimarama Road. · Off-road concrete pathway from West Quay along foreshore to the end of the Esplanade, Westshore. · Off-road lime-sand pathway from Onehunga Road though Landcorp Farm and around NCC Lagoon Farm and up the Taipo Stream. · Off-road lime-sand pathway from Taradale to Puketapu and back. · Off-road lime-sand pathway from Pakowhai Country Park to Fernhill. · Off-road lime-sand pathway along Maraekakaho Road. · Off-road lime-sand pathway for HDC i-way project from Clive to Hastings. · Off-road lime-sand pathway from Pandora Bridge through reserve to opposite Westshore Pub. · Installation of two glulam timber bridges, one over Taipo Stream and one over Grange Creek.
	Capital works	Taipo Stream stopbank – further stage of improvement completed. Awanui stopbank – further stage of improvement completed. Whakaki stopbank – completed Harakeke Waterway and Te Karamu (Ruahapia) enhancement - completed County pumpstation building- renewal contract let.
	Infrastructure asset risk review	LAPP has been notified of HBRC intention to possibly withdraw from the Scheme. Discussions continuing with commercial insurers and LAPP. Review and report expected to be completed for Corporate and Strategy Committee meeting September 2012.
	Levels of service review and infrastructure asset risk review	The Heretaunga Plains and Upper Tukituki asset management plans have been updated and peer reviewed (receiving a good report). The levels of service reviews, risk analysis, modelling and costs have been completed together with options for consideration. These were included in the draft LTP for public comment. Subject to public comment these reviews will be progressed.
	Tutaekuri Ecology Management Plan	Planning and investigation work has been largely completed. Cultural assessment requires further input. This is currently underway. The draft Ecological Management and Enhancement Plan is 90% complete.
	Tsunami Modelling	A significant effort has been put into very detailed Tsunami models for Napier and Wairoa. These results have been presented to the public and Councils. Taranaki District Council has engaged HBRC to carry out Tsunami modelling for them.

	Gisborne District Council River Management	Modelling and design work was completed for the Awapuni Lagoon culvert. Construction documents have been completed; the contract let, and is now in the final stages of construction. A condition survey and assessment has been carried out on a test section the Waipaoa Flood protection scheme. River and flood management advice has been provided on request.

Biosecurity	Initial control contracts	Initial control contracts let for 24,434 ha in 2011/12 year. Of these 18,060 ha has been completed. Remaining area expected to be completed by 30 June 2012. Commitments signed for 16,000 ha of initial control in north of region to be undertaken in 2012/13. This will leave approx 15,000ha of productive land remaining outside AHB or HBRC PCA control. Land owners in these areas have declined to participate in the PCA programme. This will be considered as part of the next RPMS review. (expected in approx 2 years).
	Projects - Poutiri, Coordinated goat management, argentine ants.	Poutiri project - trap infrastructure set out by HBRC, biodiversity outcomes monitoring underway by LCR, bird species relocation work underway by DOC. Coordinated goat management project - (Forestry, HBRC, DOC) in boundary stream area underway. Project plan in place with agreement by key agency players on budgets, outcomes and process for operational coordination agreed. Northern region goats land user attitudinal survey completed. Argentine ants Project – Infestation monitoring completed approx 2500 known mainly urban properties with argentine ants. Moving into a best practise and community awareness phase of the programme.
	Animal Health Board	Positive feedback received from AHB for HBRC vector management team activities, and positive audit result also received. Proposal outlining options for future HBRC involvement in vector management to be developed and discussed with AHB over next 3 months.
	Review of Regional Pest Management Strategies	Finalisation of RPMS on hold pending an environment court appeal.
	Urban pest management	Programme progressing well with next area for control around Poraiti and Bayview
	Legislative change – amendments to the Biosecurity Act.	Changes likely to be agreed by government and passed into law within the next six months. Meetings held with Primary sector group seeking to take a more proactive approach to management of pest incursion risks in HB. Meeting being arranged with MAF reps to discuss how this can be achieved under Government Industry Agreements.

Land Management	Ballance Farm awards (not sure this needs to be reported on that regularly)	Very successful high public profile awards aligned to HBRC sustainable land management message with high profile candidate acknowledging HBRC’s support and the value of the RLS.
	Regional Landcare Scheme	2011-12 budget fully committed with the majority of projects on track for completion by 30 June 2012. Ongoing refinement being implemented to better match demand with available funding in 2012/13 year.
	Intensive landuse – Particularly Ruataniwha Water Storage and plan change implementation	Significant staff time being committed to supporting Tukituki plan change and Ruataniwha water storage implementation discussions
	Operational Plan	Land management 2012/13 operational plan presented to this meeting of Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee.
	Key Stakeholder groups – Pan sector, Pastoral steering, Dairy group etc.	Pan sector primary industry group being established with Terms of Reference still to be agreed. Development, membership and clarification of roles of groups progressing well.
Forestry	Regional Afforestation Project	Update to be provided to Council during May 2012. Carbon Strategy and operational project plan being progressed.
	Mahia Beach waste water	Forest established. Legal agreements with WDC for ongoing management expected to be finalised by end May 2012.

Open Spaces	Pekapeka wetland	Board walks and other development works associated with interpretation site completed. Further development options being developed in conjunction with potential funders.
	Tutira Country Park	Manuka trial area of approx 4 ha being monitored. Seedlings for a further 50ha expected to be ready to plant June 2012. Agreement finalised between HBRC and Comvita for project.
	Regional open spaces review	Review commenced. Objective is to develop framework for development, management, and marketing regional open space facilities, and to determine pressure points and gaps in current portfolio. Report back to Council expected around September 2012.

Other	159 Dalton St	Claims against building contractor lodged in District and High Courts in March 2012. Remedial work specialist commissioned to prepare necessary contract documentation and project manage remedial work. Remedial work expected to commence late 2012.

DECISION MAKING PROCESS

2. Council is required to make a decision in accordance with Part 6 Sub-Part 1, of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained within this section of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only and no decision is to be made, the decision making provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 do not apply.

RECOMMENDATION

1. That the Committee recommend Council receives the May 2012 Asset Management Group activity report.

Gary Clode

Manager Engineering

Darren Gorst

Team Leader Operations

Campbell Leckie

Manager Land Services

Mike Adye

Group Manager Asset Management

Attachment/s

There are no attachments for this report.

	Agenda Item	Action	Person Responsible	Due Date	Status Comment
16 Nov	12	Press release or similar to highlight the sawfly story from 2005 to today.	MA/Comms	May 12

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