Jane Nees BOP Regional Councillor www.janenees.co.nz

The Bay of Plenty Regional Coastal Environment Plan is a statutory document which sets objectives, policies and rules for the development and use of the coastal environment.

Following a review in 2012, and the release of a proposed plan in 2013, the new Regional Coastal Plan is now in the final submission stages of development.

I'm one of the members of the Hearings Panel, which is charged with hearing submissions and making final decisions on the content of the plan.

There is a huge amount of reading and even with use of electronic documents – a huge amount of paper.

There have been 143 submissions to the plan and 53 further submissions. There will be nine days of hearings and probably another couple of days for deliberations.

Then there is always the possibility a submitter may appeal the plan to the Environment Court.

The time and cost of these planning processes may horrify some, but it is very important to get the plan as right as possible because it's critical for the use and protection of our coastal marine area.

If you have views on this or any other issue, you can email me at neesj@xtra.co.nz or ring me on 07 579 5150.