Friday 5 July 2013

Have your say on the Tukituki Catchment proposal

Help is at hand for people who are considering making a submission on the Tukituki Catchment proposal.

The Environmental Protection Authority is holding two public meetings to explain the board of inquiry process, and give people details about how they can submit on the proposal.

The EPA has also appointed Alison McEwan from Langley Twigg Law as the “Friend of Submitter”, to give people independent advice about how to make a submission.

The EPA’s General Manager for Applications and Assessments, Sarah Gardner, says it is important that everyone feels able to participate in this process.

“Submissions are a vital part of the board of inquiry process.”

“We want to make sure anyone who wants to have their say on the proposal is able to do so.”

Mrs Gardner says not-for-profit groups that want to make a submission can apply for financial assistance of up to $40,000 from the Ministry for the Environment’s Environmental Legal Assistance Fund.

The Hawke’s Bay Regional Investment Company’s application for resource consents and a notice of requirement for the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme have been directed to an independent board of inquiry for consideration.

This scheme includes a large dam and reservoir on the Makaroro River and associated irrigation canal infrastructure on the Ruataniwha Plains in Central Hawke’s Bay and Hastings districts.

The board will also consider a proposed plan change by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, which covers a suite of changes to rules for land and water management.

It will make its decision within nine months from the date the proposal is notified.

ENDS

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