Media release
11 November

Come and have your say on local water management solutions
The Lower Waitaki – South Coastal Canterbury Zone Committee is asking local people to share their views on its draft solution package to address freshwater management for the South Canterbury Coastal Streams area.

The draft package aims to meet the community’s outcomes under the Canterbury Water Management Strategy in the area between Otaio River and Morven Drain, including water quality and quantity limits.

The committee is holding a public open day on 20 November where people can come along and find out more and provide their own feedback.

Zone Committee Chair Robin Murphy said the committee is keen to get local feedback on whether it has found the right balance for the South Canterbury Coastal Streams area.

“The underlying philosophy of the CWMS is that local communities should be making decisions on local water management.

“We want to know if local people think our draft solution package is what is needed to achieve a vibrant economy with sustainable growth, while ensuring water quality in the area is protected.

“The public open day is an ideal opportunity for people to have their say on some important issues so we expect there will be plenty of interest,” he said.

The committee’s draft solution package includes:
• Catchment load limits for nitrogen
• Urban, On-farm and industrial limits
• Catchment wide restoration efforts
• Farm Environmental Management Plans
• New and revised environmental flows
• Implementation and Monitoring

Feedback can be provided by heading along to the community open day on 20 November from 1-8pm at the Waimate Community Centre. Specific appointment times can be made to talk with the zone committee between 3:30 and 5:00pm (or later by arrangement) if required by calling Environment Canterbury Customer Services on 0800 324 636.

Feedback can also be provided in writing to Meredith Macdonald, Environment Canterbury, PO Box 345, Christchurch 8140 before 11 December.

For a copy of the draft solution package visit: www.ecan.govt.nz/south-canterbury-streams. Copies are also available from the Waimate District Council or Environment Canterbury’s Timaru office on Church Street.

ENDS

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