New proposals to streamline and modernise the Broads Authority, a part UK-government funded body created to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of this wetlands region of eastern England and to protect the interests of navigation in the region, have been unveiled by its new chief executive Dr John Packman.

The Broads Authority Development Programme proposes a four-year action plan which aims to raise the profile of the Authority, improve its efficiency and develop a “holistic approach” in which people and organisations will work together for the future of the Broads.

The agenda proposes a new name to help the public understand the Authority’s role as a national park authority and to enable the hire boat industry to capitalise on a niche market for boating holidays in a national park; a new structure for the Authority reducing meetings and office time; and a long-term strategy to help secure increased government funding.

The proposals will go out to wide public consultation and comments are sought by 9 November so they can be considered at the Authority’s meeting on 23 November.