12/04/2005

ODC looks to be stricter with stock bylaws review

Otorohanga District Council will review its Stock Droving Bylaw, but not before May 31, when farmers are required to renew their stock crossing permits.
The issue of stock droving was discussed at a meeting recently after engineering manager Ian Gooden suggested council review the bylaw, originally adopted in June 1999.
Mr Gooden said to date 95 permits had been issued to farmers throughout the district with a generally satisfactory level of compliance achieved for most permit holders.
He said while the overall opinion of council staff was the bylaw had been effective, there were still several concerns including stock crossing signs being left open when not in use, roads not being adequately cleaned and farmers allowing stock to wander across the road at will.
Animal droppings and mud left on the road cause damage to the surface over time, while unsafe and unsupervised stock crossings pose a risk for road users.
"We do not think this should continue," said Mr Gooden, who suggested that council look at adopting a stricter stance on the issue.
The council agreed to review the bylaw and consider aligning it more closely to Road Controlling Authorities forum bylaw, a document that took several years of consultation and discussion with roading and agricultural groups.
Other amendments the council may adopt include adjusting application fees, increasing financial assistance to farmers wishing to construct underpasses and working with farmers to install special surfaces in areas where stock cross the road regularly.
However, because farmers are required to have their permits renewed as of May 31, it was decided that there was not sufficient time to amend the bylaw before that date. Therefore farmers are required to renew their permits for a further 12 months and the council will review the bylaw within that 12 month period.