ARC eying rates relief for greenery

Aucklanders could be offered rates sweeteners in return for preserving beauty spots and green space on their land.

The tactic for saving outstanding natural landscapes from development was discussed by Auckland Regional Council members this week as local councils grapple with the soaring cost of securing new parkland for a population that is tipped to reach 1.9 million people in 25 years.

ARC finance committee members decided yesterday to recommend the council have a new policy for remission of rates for parts of properties protected for natural or historic or cultural conservation purposes.

The council has two policies at present to encourage protection of open space on private property.

One of them remits rates for parts of properties covered by QEII National Trust covenants.

The other allows a flat postponement of 25 per cent of rates for farmland outside city limits which is greater than 12ha.

ARC finance chairman Bill Burrill said it was proposed to extend the remissions policy for QEII Trust areas to land that has been legally protected through other mechanisms, such as covenants, management agreements, or declarations made with local councils or under acts of Parliament.

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Posted: 18 Dec 2008

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