8 October 2015

Government report backs augmentation as the best solution

The Ministry of Primary Industries report on water management on the Waimea Plains reaffirms the logic and benefits of the solutions currently being worked through by the Tasman District Council and irrigators.

Released today by the Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy, the report supports the proposed Waimea Community Dam and the changes to the water management rules as a means of providing water security and creating greater productivity and economic return.

Tasman Deputy-Mayor Tim King said the issues of over allocation and impacts of dry weather have been at the heart of the water security issues we face as a District, and were the reason we set up the Waimea Water Augmentation Committee. “To have this independent report show the value of what is currently proposed adds to previous work showing the benefits of water augmentation in the Waimea system”

“The Waimea Plains is a relatively small capacity for water storage that is very sensitive to changes in weather and use yet it supports so much of what drives the region. Storage will provide the water security we need to support both our current water usage and the growth in demand that is likely to occur.”

“As we move forward with the scheme this report provides everyone involved with the ability to now focus on the issue of fundability with further evidence of the benefits available.”

“The Council has provided for the dam through the latest Long Term Plan while acknowledging there are still a number of issues to be worked through in terms of ownership structure and funding. What is clear though are the benefits of water augmentation on current and future primary production, urban supply and the environmental well-being of the river and the District.”

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