Volume One 14. Use of the Rural Environment [R, D] 14.M.3 Regional and district rules A range of regional and district rules will apply to subdivision, use and development activities in rural environments. In general, primary production activities are provided for as permitted activities (subject to standards). A limited range of other activities not related to primary production activities will also be provided for as permitted activities, where these have only minor adverse effects on the environment. Rural activities with the potential to cause significant adverse effects, such as dairy farming, factory farming and intensive livestock farming are provided for as discretionary activities. A number of other activities, including subdivision and residential activity within areas identified as water short will be determined as discretionary activities. Land disturbance rules will control non-point, sedimentation laden runoff from rural land use activities and will avoid, remedy or mitigate the effects of land use activities on riparian margins. Regional rules will provide for the deposition, application or administration of such chemicals, biological controls, poisons and hazardous substances necessary for the control of plant and animal pests, as provided for within an approved national or regional pest management plan. District rules will be used to establish minimum allotment sizes for the Rural Environment Zone and areas within the Wairau Plain Area and Omaka Valley Area. Additional amenity standards will also be used within these areas. [D] 14.M.4 Regional Pest Management Plan and Biosecurity Strategy The Regional Pest Management Plan for Marlborough (prepared under the Biosecurity Act 1993) classifies a range of plant and animal species as pests. These species cause or have the potential to cause significant adverse effects to Marlborough’s economy and/or environment. The Plan includes pests that have regional, rather than national significance and sets out rules and methods regarding landowner obligations in managing pests. As the Regional Pest Management Plan for Marlborough is a very specific management tool, the Council is currently preparing a Biosecurity Strategy that will provide a broader management framework for managing pests. The Strategy will include roles and responsibilities for pest management, surveillance activities, monitoring, research, community programmes and how new pests can be included within the Plan. [D] 14.M.5 Information on pests The Council takes a very active role in providing information and advice on the best methods for controlling plant and animal pests. This includes providing advice, promoting effective control actions and encouraging greater understanding and acceptance by land occupiers of the responsibilities of pest management. [D] 14.M.6 Monitoring animal and plant pests Monitoring and surveillance is probably the most important aspect of the Council’s pest management role. Without awareness of what pests are present in Marlborough, the extent to which they are present and monitoring for potential new pests, pest management would be very difficult for the Council to perform. In general, the Council’s programme of monitoring and surveillance helps to determine the location, nature and extent of pest infestations, as well as establish the extent to which the objectives set out the Regional Pest Management Plan for Marlborough are being achieved. 14 – 19