Have your say on proposed increase to mooring permit fees

 

As part of our Annual Budget 2019/2020 consultation, Auckland Council is seeking feedback on our proposal to changes to some of the Harbourmasters fees to reduce ratepayer subsidy for services that benefit vessel owners.

 

Our proposal is to increase mooring permit fees by $57.50 (inc GST). This increase is on top of the annual inflationary adjustment.  This adjustment is to help fund the salvage and disposal of abandoned, derelict and wrecked boats from moorings. The number of vessels on moorings that are becoming unseaworthy is increasing and it is becoming a major issue for the Harbourmaster. 

 

In addition, to share the cost of maintaining navigation aids and maritime safety function, we proposed charging foreign flagged vessels of over 40 metres in length, a fee of $23 (inc GST) per metre, per day to anchor in the regions waters. Fee schemes of this nature are already in place in other areas of New Zealand.

 

All Harbourmaster fees are paid direct to the Harbourmaster department.

We are asking for your views on these proposals.  A consultation period is open between 17 February 2019 and 17 March 2019 and you can contribute feedback online at akhaveyoursay.nz , Feedback forms and supporting information will also be available at libraries, local board offices and service centres, or you can request a copy be mailed to you by emailing  akhaveyoursay@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz or calling 09 301 0101.

 

Events are also being run across the region for Aucklanders to have their say in person. Check akhaveyoursay.nz for events in your area.

 

Following consultation, all feedback will be considered and our Annual Budget 2019/2020 will be adopted in June.  Our decisions will be widely communicated, and a summary report will be available online.

  

Andrew Hayton

Harbourmaster

 

 

 

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