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EDS expresses grave reservations about water
EDS expresses grave reservations about water conservation
order changes
Earlier today EDS expressed
qualified support for government decisions regarding
Environment Canterbury including the appointment of
Commissioners.
EDS indicated in its earlier statement that it needed to further examine the proposed changes relating to water conservation orders.
"We've now had a chance to look in more detail at the water conservation order changes and have very serious concerns about what is proposed" said EDS Chair Gary Taylor.
"The changes appear to weaken the statutory tests around water conservation orders.
"The changes mean that it may be easier to amend existing water conservation orders in Canterbury including orders over the Rakaia and Ahuriri rivers.
"The criteria for assessing water conservation order matters have been changed and seriously weakened.
"This will have enormous implications for Canterbury and is akin to weakening the controls around national parks.
"Both existing water conservation orders and the proposed water conservation orders for the Hurunui River appear to be at risk.
"This is seriously concerning", Gary Taylor concluded.
ENDS
Environmental Defence Society
EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence.
Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand
through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non-
profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes.
EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It
operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together
the private and public sectors for constructive engagement.
EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental
Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference.
EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.
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