MEDIA RELEASE Friday July 22, 2011

Partnering to prevent pollution

Horizons Regional Council and the rural community continue to work together to improve the quality of our rivers and steams, achieving almost twice the amount of stream fencing as last year.

In the past 12 months, Horizons has helped the region's farmers fence off 112km of stream banks compared with 62km last year. They have also lined up at least another 124km to be fenced in the year ahead.

Horizons' chief executive Michael McCartney says that the farmers involved deserve a pat on the back.

"The effort landowners are putting into planting and fencing is really benefitting the region's rivers and streams" says Mr McCartney.

"We shouldn't underestimate the difference they make. It's easy to think that fencing off a waterway here or there isn't going to have a big impact but the cumulative effect of many farms in a catchment doing this has a significant impact on that catchment's water quality.

"We also need to acknowledge the sacrifice farmers make. Every kilometer of fencing means a little bit of land is taken out of production and new water supplies for stock may be required. This all comes at a cost to the farming operation." Fencing off waterways is one of the commitments set out in the Manawatu River Leaders' Accord launched last month and Mr McCartney said he was pleased to be able to demonstrate to the community that progress is underway.

"The words in the Accord are good but the action they bring about is what's really important. We're delivering on our promise to the community and that's a good feeling."

As well as fencing to keep stock out of water, Horizons also encourages planting along the edges of waterways to help filter nutrients that would otherwise enter the water. Horizons works in partnership with farmers to fence off waterways and plant riparian margins on farms. Subject to budget limitations the council funds a share of the material costs.

Farmers who would like advice about managing waterways on their properties should contact Horizons Regional Council on 0508 800 800.

ENDS

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