Rodney is undoubtedly "green" with almost 95% of the area deemed as rural. Much of our magnificent bush scenery in the region is privately owned. Some of these areas are so important to the environment, ecology and wildlife they have been identified as "bushlots" and given a measure of protection.
This protection includes a clear statement about what you can and cannot do with these significant areas of bush, streams or wetlands on your property and monitoring by the council to ensure compliance with the covenant.
How Do You Know If You Own A Bushlot?
Many rural properties that have been subdivided in Rodney have a Bushlot Covenant, which is a condition of a ubdivision that places responsibility on the property owner to protect significant areas of bush, streams or wetlands on the property in perpetuity.
If you have a Bushlot Covenant it will be on your property's certificate of title. If you are not sure, please feel free to contact us on 0800 426 5169 and ask to speak to our Natural and Coastal Environment Policy Advisor.
Download our bushlots map here to view bushlot areas across Rodney (PDF 13.7mb).
Your Responsibilities As A Bushlot Owner
- Controlling feral cats, rabbits, pigs, deer, goats and possums
- Controlling invasive weeds, exotics and environmental plant pests
- Maintaining perimeter fencing for the covenanted area
- Providing a suitable habitat for birdlife
- Encouraging plants that are a food source for birdlife
- Encouraging the natural regeneration of native vegetation
As well as having those responsibilities you also have certain restrictions on what you can do with your bushlot. Your covenant requires that you let none of the following occur on the bushlot without council's prior written consent:
- Access by any domestic or grazing animal
- Any building structure or hoarding
- Any excavation
- The pumping of any groundwater
- The planting or sowing of any exotic species
- The felling or removing of any indigenous tree or plant
- Entry by the general public
- The accumulation of rubbish or other unsightly or offensive material
The Monitoring Process
Bushlots are an important part of the Rodney region and the council wants to preserve our beautiful natural heritage for future generations to enjoy.
Council inspectors will make regular inspections to properties (with prior notification) to check the condition of bushlots. This is usually a straightforward process where inspectors can point out and recommend solutions to any problems.
In rare cases where a property owner is ignoring or avoiding their responsibilities then the council may prosecute as a last resort.
More Information
If you have any questions about managing your bushlot please contact us.
