Media Statement
Thursday 26 November 2009

Dunne: Tough penalties needed for water polluters

UnitedFuture Leader Peter Dunne has called on Government and local authorities to get tough on those who pollute our freshwater lakes and rivers.

"The shocking report on the state of the Manawatu River highlights the urgent need for action," said Mr Dunne.

"New Zealand can no longer afford to rest on its laurels as a clean, green nation, because that concept is beginning to sound a little hollow."

"For too long fertiliser run-off and effluent discharge has gone unpunished in this country, immediate action is needed by both central government and local authorities if we wish to give our children rivers and lakes they can fish, swim and drink from."

"I fully support imposing tough limits on fertiliser use and waste discharge as I do not believe industry self-regulation and best practice guidelines are strong enough incentives for many polluters."

"The research highlighting the sorry state of the Manawatu River is more than just another wake-up call."

"Access to clean water is a right that has traditionally been enjoyed and taken for granted in New Zealand, however, if we don't act now to penalise those responsible for nitrogen runoff, effluent discharges and waste disposal into our waterways we will suddenly find that right has been taken away from us."

"Government and local authorities have for a long-time talked the talk, its now time to walk the walk," said Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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