Hunter Downs decision honourable and correct
Released 29 Apr 2010
Federated Farmers is lauding yesterday's decision by Environment Canterbury (ECan) to grant the water take resource consent for South Canterbury's Hunter Downs Irrigation Scheme. This is not just good news for the economy and all New Zealanders but helps clear the decks for the incoming Ecan commissioners.
"The Hunter Downs Scheme is a central pillar in the Canterbury Water Management Strategy which has been designed by environmentalists and farmers to meet environmental, societal and economic goals. It is quite clear that the Ecan decision makers agree," says Dr William Rolleston, Federated Farmers South Canterbury president.
"The South Canterbury Irrigation Trust and Meridian Energy deserve praise for something that will boost the South Canterbury economy. This decision will benefit the whole community and not only farmers, the economic impact of a scheme this size will be felt through the towns of South Canterbury and will impact New Zealand's ability to pay its way in the world.
"The 35 year Hunter Downs consent will allow 20.5 cubic metres of water per second to be taken from the Lower Waitaki River - enough to irrigate up to 40,000 hectares, stretching as far north as Otipua.
"That's two thirds of the available farmland in the area and is a massive boon to horticulture as well as agriculture.
"While the infrastructure consent applications are yet to be lodged, the reality is that we are looking at an annual economic boost of some $117 million and 1200 new jobs off and on-farm. That gives some scale to the potential modern water storage and irrigation holds," Dr Rolleston concluded.
For further information contact:
Don Nicolson, Federated Farmers President, 03 216 7405, 027 226 6331
Dr William Rolleston, Federated Farmers South-Canterbury provincial president, 03 687 4050, 027 246 0634
