Media Release
June 24 2004

Waitaki Reports Released

Two major reports on proposals to take water in the Waitaki catchment were released today by the Ministry of Economic Development (MED).

The reports are:

* A draft national cost benefit analysis, by Sinclair Knight Merz; and

* An evaluation of the economic impact of Project Aqua on New Zealand's electricity system, by Concept Consulting Group.

MED Energy and Environment Manager Stuart Calman said the reports were commissioned to inform the development of a water allocation framework for the Waitaki catchment, as well as the process for decisions on consent applications, as proposed under the Resource Management (Waitaki Catchment) Amendment Bill.

"Although Project Aqua is not proceeding, these reports will still be useful for preparing the proposed water allocation framework, and for stakeholders wanting to make submissions on the framework."

Both reports are consultants' reports, and as such they do not represent government policy or opinion. Copies of both reports will be provided to key stakeholders, said Mr Calman.

"Stakeholders are invited to provide comments on the reports, in particular to comment on the assumptions in the Sinclair Knight Merz draft national cost benefit analysis report, to improve the accuracy and rigour of the final report. Meetings are likely to be arranged in early August with interested stakeholders to discuss the reports and any comments provided."

Copies of the Concept Consulting report can be found on

http://www.med.govt.nz/ers/environment/cba-waitaki/evaluation

The SKM report can be found on

http://commcons.skm.com.au/waitakiriver/

Comments on the SKM report should be sent to: email: waitakicba@skm.co.nz phone: 03 379 0135 fax: 03 377 2209 post: Sinclair Knight Merz, PO Box 8298, Christchurch

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