29 January 2010

Tests carried out by Horizons Regional Council have shown elevated concentrations of cyanobacterial toxins (caused by blue-green algae) at Dudding Lake, near Marton, and a health warning has now been issued.

Visitors to the Lake are advised not to use the water body for recreational purposes until health warnings are removed.

Cyanobacteria produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals if swallowed or through contact with skin (such as may occur when swimming, water skiing or kayaking).

Exposure to cyanobacteria may cause symptoms such as skin rashes, nausea, tummy upset and tingling and numbness around the mouth or tips of fingers.

Rangitikei District Council is currently developing Management Plans for its parks and reserves. It is working on the Plans in two parts: the first is a District-wide component which will apply to all parks and reserves and the second will be specific to the particular park or reserve being considered. The procedure is that Council prepares and adopts a draft Plan which is then subject to a period of public consultation (two months in the case of reserves). Following this consultation process, Council will reconsider the draft plan and adopt it in a final form.

To date, Council has prepared a plan for Wilson Park in Marton. To view this plan please click on the following link: Wilson Park

Council is currently finalising the management plan for Dudding Lake following a period of public consultation and this plan will be availiable on this site as soon as possible.

Currently, Council is seeking submissions on the Draft Management Plans for: Draft Recreational Parks and Reserves Management Plan, Draft Historic Reserves Management Plan, Draft Memorial Park Management Plan and Draft Bulls Old Courthouse and Gaol Reserve Management Plan.

Please see below for the Draft Management Plans up for consultation and the submission forms to comment on them. Submissions on the Draft Management Plans can be made between 17 December 2009 and 4pm on 1 March 2010.

Any queries please phone Leanne Roberts on 0800 422 522.