Media release

15.12.16

Council meeting briefs: 14/12/2016

Confirmation of the hearing panel for proposed Southland Water and Land Plan:

Environment Southland had previously resolved to appoint a five-person hearing panel for the proposed Southland Water and Land Plan. This would comprise three councillors, an independent commissioner as chair, and a Maori independent commissioner. One of the councillors appointed to the panel, Nicol Horrell, is not available for the panel since being elected council chairman.

At the final council meeting for the year yesterday, Councillor Eric Roy was appointed to replace Chairman Nicol Horrell on the hearing panel.

Approach to Freshwater Management Unit processes:

A revised approach to the next steps in the development of the People, Water and Land Strategy was presented to council yesterday (14/12). The strategy will be the central document driving the council’s approach to implementing the Government's National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management.

The approach outlined an engagement programme to seek community involvement in shaping the strategy and deciding on the process for setting limits. This is a change from the process previously detailed for council back in 2014, which would have immediately launched the council into the catchment limit setting process.

In addition, council approved a new fulltime position (programme manager). This position will provide leadership on all aspects of project management for the rollout of the strategy.

At the recent launch of the SoRDS Action Plan the Government announced $300,000 worth of funding towards the People, Water and Land Strategy.

Ends

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