Feds pleased Ruataniwha gets another green light

Feds pleased Ruataniwha gets another green light

Source: Federated Farmers

--

Federated Farmers is pleased to see the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme in Hawke’s Bay has another green light with Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (HBRC) confirming its intention to invest in the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme.

HBRC today approved its $80million investment with a 7-2 vote, agreeing that all four of the conditions required for investment had been met.

The investment follows more than 190 Signed Water User Agreements in support of the scheme.

Federated Farmers Hawke’s Bay Provincial President Will Foley says the Ruataniwha Plains are highly vulnerable to drought and this dam will ensure a reliable water source to preserve the family farming traditions in the region.

"The dam will protect farmers’ productivity, particularly through the summer and autumn periods when it’s drier," said Mr Foley.

"Today’s decision is a positive step towards the region receiving true tangible benefits while maintaining the community’s environmental values.

"There will be more interest especially from arable growers who will benefit greatly from a reliable water source."

Farmers in the region have signed a 35 year contract for the scheme and will make adjustments from traditional dry-land farming to irrigation farming.

"It’s been a long time in the making but there’s a real sense of excitement around how positive this is for the region," said Mr Foley.

"The local economy will thrive with the returns from more high-value primary industry products being exported around the world."

ENDS

© Scoop Media