Introducing a robust, legal way for local government to manage the risks posed by outdoor use of genetically modified organisms is a step closer following a decision by Whangarei District Council’s District Living Committee. The Committee has decided, in principle, to proceed with changes to its District Plan, drafted by the Inter Council Working Party on GMO Risk Evaluation and Management Options led by WDC Team Leader - Futures Planning, Dr Kerry Grundy. A study by the working party of Northland and Auckland councils provided evidence that outdoor use of GMOs poses significant environmental, economic and socio-cultural risks to communities and local government and could and should be controlled through councils’ District Plans.