Making a Submission
What is a submission?
The Resource Management Act 1991 is designed to ensure that there is opportunity for the public to participate in the management of the environment. This means that when someone wants to do something which has an effect on the environment, or directly affects you, you have an opportunity to have your say. You can do this by making a submission on a resource consent application. A submission is a written statement of support or opposition to an advertised consent application.
Why should I make a submission?
The most effective way for you to influence the resource consent process is to make a submission on an application. The Resource Management Act allows any person or organisation to make a submission on any notified application.
If you are considering making a submission then you should find out as much as possible about the proposal and its effects.
It is important that you talk to the applicant about their proposal. Discussing the proposal with the applicant may allay your concerns. Also, talk to organisations or individuals who can provide technical information on the causes and consequences of effects, and possible ways of reducing or avoiding undesirable effects.
Environment Southland staff can provide background information about the proposal and explain the legal context and the resource consent procedures.
How do I prepare a submission?
Your submission will be more effective if it is well organised and to the point. Your views should be supported with adequate information and provide a clear, thorough analysis of the issues. When writing a submission keep these points in mind:
- Decide which are the most important points you want Environment Southland to consider and concentrate on these
- Make your comments as specific as possible
- Clearly explain how the proposal affects you and/or the environment and how effects could be dealt with (NB: Only environmental effects will be considered – it is not Environment Southland’s role to consider effects on trade or business activity)
- Suggest alternatives to the proposed approach if you wish but provide reasons why these should be considered
- If making a request, provide an adequate explanation of why it is needed
- Make it clear which part of the proposal your comments refer to – where possible refer to page or paragraph numbers
- Make sure your submission relates to the activity applied for, not peripheral activities
- Having made your initial submission, if a hearing is required you will need to pre-circulate your detailed evidence to all parties. This detailed evidence should not rely on Council's staff report which is pre-circulated at the same time
- Information for submitters to resource consent applications
How do I make a submission?
Your submission should be concise and clearly state:
- Your reason for making a submission
- Whether you support or oppose the application
- The decision you wish Environment Southland to reach
- Whether you wish to speak at any hearing
- The conditions you feel should be imposed if the consent is granted
- The closing date for submissions is always set out in the public notice which advertises the consent application. Remember to get your submission in by the due date. Do not leave it to the last minute.
What happens to my submission?
All submissions are received and carefully considered by Environment Southland. Environment Southland may invite you to attend a pre-hearing meeting or meetings with some or all of the people interested in the application. These meetings can be used to clarify or resolve issues and concerns.
You will be notified if a hearing is required. At the hearing you will again have the opportunity to speak. At the hearing the Hearing Committee will consider all submissions and reports by Environment Southland staff. They will then decide whether or not to grant a resource consent and any conditions which may apply to the resource consent.
If you make a submission you will receive a copy of the decision even if you choose not to attend the meeting or speak in support of your submission.
Environment Southland is the brand name of Southland Regional Council.