Proposed NPS on Water Quality overdue

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne has welcomed the proposed National Policy Statement on water quality released by the Government today as long overdue. “I believe that unpolluted waterways, which are safe to drink, swim and fish in are a basic requirement for any responsible society,” said Mr Dunne.

“I welcome the National Policy Statement released today and urge all those who recreate and use New Zealand’s waterways to contribute by way of the public consultation process.”

“UnitedFuture has fought hard over this term of Parliament through the Confidence and Supply Agreement to have water quality, not just water allocation accepted as a major plank of this Government’s environmental policy.”

“It may have taken until the 11th hour of this Parliament, but finally the Government has produced a document from which the public can have their say.”

“For too long the concerns of fishers and other recreationalists have fallen on deaf ears, however those are the people that monitor the quality of New Zealand’s lakes and rivers more than anyone else.”

“I am confident that water quality can be greatly improved without effecting farm and industry productivity or running costs.”

“The planting of trees around waterways, fencing streams off from stock, nutrient budgeting, nitrogen inhibitors and mitigating factory run-offs are all low-cost, no-regrets solutions to alleviating pollution into our waterways.”

“While we are prudently monitoring waterways and have a handle on the enormity of the task, we must now make the tough decisions and act before it is too late,” said Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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