The Proposed Plan Change 10 to regional water and land will introduce rules for rural properties in the Lake Rotorua Catchment, to limit the amount of nitrogen entering Lake Rotorua from land use to improve water quality.
To meet water quality standards set by the community, nitrogen entering the lake must reduce by 320 tonnes by 2032. Less than half of that, 140 tonnes, will come from these proposed rules, where landowners will need to make changes to their land use.
"The proposed rules are necessary, but are also just one part of the long term solution to improving the water quality of Lake Rotorua," Bay of Plenty Regional Council chief executive Mary-Anne Macleod said.
The development of the rules has been under way for three years, including more than two years of engagement and public submissions.
"We have had a significant amount of community engagement in this entire process - our community is passionate about Lake Rotorua and their input is valued and appreciated."
An additional reduction of 100 tonnes of nitrogen will come from voluntary land use changes purchased by the Lake Rotorua Incentives Board; 30 tonnes will come from voluntary gorse conversion to trees; while 50 tonnes will come from engineering initiatives.
"We recognise that improving the water quality of Lake Rotorua will require a whole community effort that is fair and realistic for all," Ms Macleod said.
The recommended decisions are expected to be received next month.
