Environment Bay of Plenty and Environment Waikato councillors are getting together next week to visit parts of both regions.

The three-day tour is designed to give all councillors, some of whom were elected to their constituencies late last year, an insight into the unique characteristics of the natural and physical resources in both the Waikato and neighbouring Bay of Plenty. They will also gain an understanding of the location, background and implications of emerging resource management issues.

The tour includes estuary management and coastal erosion at Bowentown Reserve in EBoP’s region, followed by gold mining at Waihi, drainage and flood schemes, peat and wetland issues, marine farming, market gardening at Pukekawa, the planned prison and landfill at Hampton Downs, expressway construction and Huntly power station.

The councillors will also look at river water quality issues, Maugatautari ecological island, the Lichfield dairy factory, hydro dams, forestry, Lake Taupo water quality and geothermal issues.

The councillors will be joined by representatives from Hauraki, Franklin and Taupo District Councils, the Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust and Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board.

Chairman Neil Clarke said it was important that neighbouring councils took the opportunity to discuss issues of mutual interest that may affect their ability to meet each areas’ objectives.