Thursday 5 April 2007

OECD report highlights seriousness of water quality issues

United Future environment spokesperson Gordon Copeland has emphasised his party's concern over the state of water quality in many parts of rural New Zealand following the OECD Environmental Performance Review.

The OECD review said better protection of surface and ground water was needed because pollution was affecting rivers, streams and lakes, while irrigation was also taking a toll.

"Water quality was one of United Future's most immediate concerns running into the last election. Clean water is a basic requirement for any healthy, environmentally friendly country, which is why we have committed ourselves to addressing water quality issues through our Confidence and Supply Agreement with the Government," said Mr Copeland.

"I am confident that water quality can be greatly improved without affecting farm and industry productivity or running costs.

"The planting of trees around waterways, fencing streams off from stock, nutrient budgeting, nitrogen inhibitors and mitigating factory run-offs are all low-cost, no-regrets solutions to alleviating pollution into our waterways.

"United Future's aim is to work with the Government, the farming community and industry to achieve a lasting improvement in New Zealand's water quality. We realise that while some progress has been made there is a long way to go and there are still some areas of the country that are simply not pulling their weight.

"While we are monitoring more waterways than ever before and have a handle on the enormity of the task, I cannot emphasise enough that now is the time to act. The longer the status quo is maintained the harder it is going to be to turn the situation around," concluded Mr Copeland.

ENDS

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