September 9, 2009

Media Statement

Lower Waitaki farmers to discuss water metering

Farmers in the Lower Waitaki will have the chance next week to quiz Environment Canterbury (ECan) staff about the introduction of compulsory water metering.

The Lower Waitaki River Management Society is holding its annual meeting on Wednesday, September 16, with ECan water metering manager John Young as a guest speaker.

As water metering is being introduced throughout Canterbury over the next five years, he will explain the implications for local farmers, both in terms of cost and farm management.

Bill Penno, the society chairman, says the meeting will be the first time local farmers have had a proper chance to learn more about the metering and to ask questions.

“Water is a very precious resource and it’s important that as a community and as individual farmers we do our best to utilise it efficiently and conserve it for future generations.”

The introduction of metering has implications for resource consent holders and also involves installing approved equipment with the help of service providers, all key factors farmers need to be aware of, Bill Penno says.

“I’d encourage all farmers to come along, ask questions and have their say, as the sooner we all understand how the system will work, the better it will be for everyone.”

The other guest speaker at the annual meeting will be Rachel McClellan, a fauna ecologist from Christchurch, who will be discussing threatened river-nesting birds and steps to stop their decline.

The meeting is being held in the Waitaki Bridge Hall at 7pm, Wednesday September 16.

ENDS

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