Decentralisation views sought

Press, 24 July 1976, Page 16

Decentralisation views sought

The Government was keen jto decentralise planning, and I to get the involvement of local i people, the Minister of Works ;and Development (Mr W. L. 1 Young) told the Canterbury Regional Planning Authority’s I executive on Wednesday. I “1 have been instructed by ithe Prime Minister (Mr Mulidoon) to find out the views | of the people,” said the Minister. While broad issues would have to be planned I from Wellington, local people

I should be involved in local [things. A case in point, he said, iwas the Clutha Valley, where the Government had set up an advisory committee of “10 locals and one power man.” The revision of the Town and Country’ Planing Act was now with the law draftsmen, and all would have the opportunity before a select committee to make submissions on the draft bill. “I had hoped to have the bill adopted this year, but in view of need for time to enable everybody to consider ; it. it might be better to wait :a bit.” the Minister said. ■ “I would favour that rather {than rushing it—and there is I other legislation that has to [interlock. It will not be easy i legislation.” The Minister said the bill was his No. 1 priority, and the revision of the water and soil conservation legislation and of the public works compensation provisions were next.