13 February 2020
Dear Resident
Tasman District Council will be limiting access for the general public on several rural roads from tomorrow, Friday 14 February 2020. Residents and authorised people only will have access.
Based on recommendations from Fire and Emergency, due to extreme fire risk and in accordance with Section 52 of the Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) Act 2017, access to the following roads is restricted to residents, workers and authorised personnel only, as of 12 noon Friday 14 February 2020 until further notice:
Aniseed Valley Road – from the intersection with Haycock Rd
Lee Valley Road – from the first swimming hole on the left
Wairoa Gorge Road – from the Pig Valley Rd intersection
Rocky River Road
Baton Valley Road
Milnethorpe Quay
Canaan Road
Why are we doing it?
These roads are considered high risk should fire break out, as they are one way in and out and are home to a number of residents. Limiting access is aimed at reducing the risk of a fire starting in these areas. As with the decision to close some Council reserves, this step has been taken with protecting public safety as our top priority.
How will this impact me?
If you are a resident or have a valid reason for being in the area it won’t impact you at all. Guests of residents are welcome to come and go as normal. You will see an increased security presence, with officers taking note of any vehicles parked on the roads. Drivers may be asked to provide their details and reasons for being in the area.
If you intend to carry out any work during this period you will need to make sure that you are aware of the current Spark Hazardous (Hotworks) Fire Danger Predictions for the Nelson Tasman Region and strictly adhere to the guidelines provided.
What if I’m concerned about something, or want further details?
If you are concerned about unauthorised activity on these roads once the restrictions are in place, or at any time for that matter, you should contact Police in the first instance by dialling 105 or if you believe it’s an emergency dial 111.
Police will have an increased presence in these areas during this time. Forestry owners will also be increasing their security patrols over this time.
If you have any enquiries regarding the access restrictions or the road conditions generally, you can contact the Tasman District Council on 03 543 8400 or via the Councils Webpage or
Facebook.
If you have any queries regarding the Spark Hazard guidelines or the current predictions for the Nelson and Tasman District you find them on the FENZ website, www.checkitsalright.nz . If you’d like to up-dated directly you can email Firepermit.Nelsontasman@fireandemergency.nz and ask to be included on the FENZ (Nelson/Tasman) daily mail out list.
How long will this go on for?
The situation will be monitored daily and once conditions have improved and FENZ have advised Council that it is safe to do so, Council reserves will be reopened and the temporary, road access restrictions lifted. This could be as early as next week.
Please be aware however that if conditions deteriorate again, road access restrictions may have to be re-implemented and reserves once again closed.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work with the Fire and Emergency team to manage the current, extreme fire risk.
Yours sincerely
Brian McManus | Engineering Services Road Maintenance Programme Leader
