7 September 2012
Ecan term extension positive
Federated Farmers applauds the decision of Local Government Minister, the Hon David Carter MP, to extend the Environment
Canterbury (Ecan) Commissioners term for a further three years to 2016.
“We are under no illusion this is related to incredibly complex water policy,” says Chris Allen, Federated Farmers
Mid-Canterbury provincial president.
“Right now, the Canterbury Land & Water Regional Plan is proceeding at breakneck speed because of the time limit on the Commissioners. I honestly don’t
think anyone wishes them to act in haste so that we can repent at leisure.
“One expectation is that it will allow the sub-regional plans to be aligned. These are of most importance as they set
catchment based limits. It also provides an opportunity to take into account any Government actions arising from the
Land and Water Forum; a forum Federated Farmers is a party to.
“I would hope that people who will oppose this move will think before commenting. The Commissioners, in a few short
years, have achieved more than the old failed council ever did. I recall a shrill tone at the time, but every prediction
of doom has not eventuated.
“The Commissioners have vindicated their appointment by building bridges with key stakeholders including us in the
primary industries. I would say growing levels of trust were being challenged by the haste in trying to process this
plan.
“This time extension means the plan can be done once but hopefully, done right. In rushing things we have noted serious
holes around some science that needs to be addressed.
“The Land & Water Regional Plan is just too important to get wrong but was notified before detailed modelling of its economic
impacts.
“As it affects almost all aspects of the primary industries, it will set the tone for all farmers, whether a wine maker
or horticulturalist, dairy farmer or like me, a sheep and beef farmer.
“A key result from extra time is to allow the work underway by the NZIER on economic impacts to finally catch up. We
know this plan will mean sacrifice by farmers in some places. Before that takes place we want to ensure it delivers
exactly what it ought to deliver.
“It also allows the wider community to consider and digest what impacts it will have upon them. The primary industries
are a big part of the Canterbury economy so this will affect everyone, directly or indirectly.
“This makes what the Hon David Carter has boldly done today, the right thing to do,” Mr Allen concluded.
ends