EDS calls for submissions on its submission

Tuesday, 29 October 2019, 3:44 pm
Press Release: Environmental Defence Society

The Environmental Defence Society (EDS) has released a draft of its proposed submission on the Government’s freshwater reform proposals.

“We’re releasing a draft version for two reasons,” said EDS CEO Gary Taylor.
“First, we’re keen to hear any constructive feedback, especially from experts, on whether we’ve got the important points right and whether there’s anything significant that’s missing. We plan to finalise the document for submission this coming Thursday morning.

“Secondly, we’ve had a number of calls for support from different groups wanting advice on preparing their own submissions. To the extent that it helps, we’re happy for people to use our draft as a resource aid.

“In our draft we have made some general comments that reinforce the need for action on freshwater, that provide support for most of the proposed package and that explain that we think some farming interests have misled people about the significance of the regulatory changes.

“In fact the Action for healthy waterways package is very much an incremental build on the previous Government’s reforms.

“The key feature of this latest package is to introduce new limits on sediment, on Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen and on Phosphorus. It also proposes speeding up implementation which is entirely consistent with electoral expectations.

“We are also critical of some aspects of the proposed changes, including clunky drafting of the National Policy Statement, making farm plans compulsory and the absence of a commitment to the establishment of a Freshwater Commission to provide robust implementation oversight.

“Any constructive comments can be sent to manager@eds.org.nz and a copy of the draft submission is available here,” Mr Taylor concluded.

ends

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Environmental Defence Society

EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence.

Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non- profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes.

EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together the private and public sectors for constructive engagement.

EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference.

EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.

Contact Environmental Defence Society

• Website - www.eds.org.nz
• Email - manager@eds.org.nz
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