Thursday 29 September 2011

Dunne: Lincoln study highlights concerns over freshwater

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne has welcomed the findings of a Lincoln University study that highlights freshwater management as a major issue for a large number of New Zealanders.

“The study shows that over the last decade this issue has moved from the sidelines to the mainstream, said Mr Dunne.

The study referred to is the 6th biennial survey of ‘Peoples’ Perceptions of the State of the New Zealand Environment’.

“I welcome the fact that this is such hot button issue for many people. I believe that unpolluted waterways, which are safe to drink, swim and fish in, are a basic right for all New Zealanders.

“For too long the concerns of fishermen, kayakers and other freshwater users have fallen on deaf ears; however those people are now finally being listened to.

“To ensure New Zealanders maintain the ability to access unpolluted, healthy waterways we need an aggressive program to improve water quality, while a cautious approach is required when considering new water use applications.

“UnitedFuture believes what is needed is a true ‘polluter-pays’ system in which agriculture, or any polluter for that matter, directly pays for the cost of cleaning up our waterways.

“Polluters need to be formally accountable for the impact they have on freshwater quality.

“The planting of trees around waterways, fencing streams off from stock, nutrient budgeting, nitrogen inhibitors and mitigating factory run-offs are all low-cost solutions to alleviating pollution into our waterways.

“We believe water conservation orders in their current form are too easily ignored and do not adequately address land use that impacts on water quality. UnitedFuture wants the scope of water conservation orders reinforced by regulatory intervention.

“While water runs from the rivers out to the sea there will be pressure on the allocation of that water. UnitedFuture believes a recreational amenity flow is a more sustainable long-term position than an ecological flow as it leaves more water in the rivers available for recreational enjoyment rather than simply maintaining the minimum level possible.

“It is the cost of doing nothing that will be the true cost to this and future generations, said Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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