Call for more water storage heard by Government

Call for more water storage heard by Government – more funding allocated

IrrigationNZ today welcomed the budget announcement by Primary Industries Minister, Nathan Guy, of a $25 million allocation of new funding to the Irrigation Acceleration Fund (IAF).

“This will boost the development stages of water storage and irrigation distribution infrastructure, which is desperately needed in our summer dry east coast regions. Reliable water supply will sustain communities and maintain the environmental health of their rivers,” says Nicky Hyslop, IrrigationNZ Chair.

“With additional IAF funds contributing to the early stages of this infrastructure development, it will be essential that RMA process reforms which empower collaboration also occur, so that the funds do not go to waste.

“We are encouraged to see that the Government has also put money toward assisting councils with the implementation of the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management and the 2014 National Objectives Framework, and to supporting a new collaborative approach to resolving managing freshwater.

IrrigationNZ also believes the $25 million set aside in the budget for the establishment of new privately-led Regional Research Institutes will provide opportunities for better science and research in water and cutting edge irrigation technology.

“Water storage and distribution infrastructure can bring significant value to those regions which are in desperate need of an economic boost, and to the nation as a whole,” says Ms Hyslop. “Countless economic studies prove this and there is now increased recognition of the value across political parties and by the public.

“As well as bringing jobs and wealth to communities it has significant environmental benefits for our rivers and helps maintain flow for recreational activities even in hot dry summers; it is also a way to diversify our agricultural production through providing the reliable water supply needed for horticulture and viticulture.

“It is a win-win from so many angles and in years to come as water becomes increasingly valuable globally, New Zealand will be at a significant competitive advantage. We will look back and be glad we sustainably and sensibly captured our most valuable natural and recurring resource for the benefit of all.”

ENDS

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