Hon David Parker
MP Minister Responsible for Climate Change Issues
29 September 2006
Parker applauds climate change initiative
Climate change minister David Parker today congratulated the Queenstown Lakes District Council and the Otago Regional
Council, for proactively responding to climate change.
Mr Parker said he hoped the community would carefully consider the councils' draft strategy to manage flood risk around
Lakes Wakatipu and Wanaka.
The government is committed to reducing the country's greenhouse gas emissions, but some climate change is inevitable,
and must be prepared for, Mr Parker said.
"We know from bitter experience that floods can cause millions of dollars in damage, as well as heartache for business
and home owners."
"Flood events are likely to increase in frequency with climate change. Therefore, the sensible approach is to keep that
in mind in the planning, design and location of our expensive infrastructure."
ENDS