Media Release
For immediate release
25 February 2010

Auditor-General’s report give Tasman District a big tick

The tabling of the Auditor-General’s water demand performance audit report in Parliament today should give the residents of the Tasman District confidence in the planning and management of their water.

Of the eight representative Councils chosen for the audit exercise, Tasman was one of the three recognised for their effective management and sound planning for future demand.

“We are pleased this confirms we are heading the right direction”, said Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne, “it is an ongoing challenge and we cannot afford to sit back on our laurels”.

“Water management has always been a pressing issue for the top of the South and pleasingly the Auditor-General has recognised that we have effective forecasting tools and a number of innovative strategies to meet the demand now and in the future.

“We have to look district-wide to meet the needs of all our residents with some areas contributing to other’s needs to realise the potential of Tasman as a whole. Water is one of our most valuable resources and it is key to managed growth and development within the region. Our planning is focused on the sustainable management of the resource to ensure security of supply for users while maintaining excellent environmental outcomes, which involves carefully balancing various sets of values. As a unitary council we are well placed to do this.”

“This has led to a number of unique solutions, not all being driven by the Council, including the development of one of the largest community driven water assets – the Lee dam – currently being introduced to the communities it will support. Another key project is the move to protect and to sustainably manage and deliver water from the Motueka Central Plains zone.

“While the report is a sign we are doing things right, it is also a reminder that we must always be looking ahead and planning to meet the whole region’s needs now and in the future”, concluded Mayor Kempthorne.

ENDS

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