Federated Farmers of New Zealand

 

Otago

Introduction

Federated Farmers Otago represents local farmers' views at four district councils and one regional council. The main issues in our province include a very diverse range of local ones as well as the big national issues. Environmental matters, the high country landscape, rates and how they are based and water quantity and quality are among these.

Main Issues

Otago Regional Council Water Quality Plan Change - ORC continue to consult on with their water quality plan change. A number of other regions are watching this novel approach with great interest. On a policy level Federated Farmers supports the intent of the approach, but we have concerns about how the policy will be implemented and measured, and what the practical effects will be on-farm. In particular we are keen to get your feedback on the series of meetings ORC have just held. Matt Harcombe will be putting a lot of work into some of the words and practical workings of the draft in the new year. To have your say, contact Matt Harcombe at mharcombe@fedfarm.org.nz

Queenstown Lakes District Council Rates review - Federated Farmers submitted to the review as well as engaging with Council over the period of consultation. We have broadly supported Council's proposals to use a differential for the general rate, to reduce the impact of property value rates on the District's farmers. However, we have requested a change in the contributions farmers make to District Plan associated costs, as farmers already bear a large part of the practical costs of applying the plan, for the benefit of the District as a whole. To have your say, contact David Cooper at dcooper@fedfarm.org.nz

Dunedin City Council Hazardous Substances Plan Change 13 - Federated Farmers submitted to this proposed plan change. Our view is that where requirements under HSNO rules, regulations, approved Codes of Practice, Group Standards and quantity thresholds are being met, that any Council plan requirement should align with those in a permitted activity framework.  In the area of fertiliser use/storage, we've worked alongside FertResearch to ensure our submissions are appropriate and consistent. To have your say, contact Kim Reilly at kreilly@fedfarm.org.nz

Otago Regional Council Proposed Plan Change 2 on Regionally Significant Wetlands - The hearing for the Otago Regional Council's Regionally Significant Wetlands Proposed Plan Change was 14 December. Federated Farmers has supported some of the word change recommendations within the Officer's Report and also support their decision to carry out further (or initial) on-site visits and evaluations on many of the properties that had concerns about their wetlands being included. We continued to voice our concerns over the impact on farming, particularly the non-complying activity status and the need for to apply for a consent to maintain existing drains. To have your say, contact Kim Reilly at kreilly@fedfarm.org.nz

Dunedin City Council Spatial Plan - The draft Spatial Plan sets out a strategic picture for the City and will have an impact on council roles, subdivision and development in the rural and rural-residential areas, areas of significant indigenous vegetation and/or habitats of indigenous fauna, protection of High Class Soils, Rural character areas, Significant landscape features and the urban/rural boundary. It is a strategic document that will then be used to inform the DCC District Plan review next year. Farmers who are directly affected by the proposed changes in the plan you will most likely have been contacted by letter. You can review the draft documents by clicking here, submissions close 13 January 2012. Farmers who are directly affected by the proposed changes in the plan you will most likely have been contacted by letter. You can review the draft documents by clicking here, submissions close 13 January 2012. If you have any thoughts you can submit these on the online submission form found by clicking here, through the forms at the bottom of this page or by emailing dcooper@fedfarm.org.nz   

Clutha District Council District Plan review - biodiversity - Federated Farmers submission on this proposed plan change was the culmination of over a year's discussion with the council prior to the plan change happening. Largely we support the councils approach that permits most of the clearance that would be associated with "normal farming activities" and requires consent for larger scale clearance. There are some concerns about the criteria of the proposed National Policy Statement on biodiversity being included in the draft rule and we have asked for these to be changed. There will be a council hearing some time in the first quarter of 2012, but the most critical part of the formal process is likely to be watching and commenting on what other submitters might be asking for in the rules. To have your say, contact Matt Harcombe at mharcombe@fedfarm.org.nz

Clutha District sewerage scheme funding options - Clutha are upgrading the sewerage schemes at Benhar and Tokoiti. Existing policy is that those connected to the scheme fund 90 percent of capital costs, with the District contribution ten percent of capital expenditure, and "harmonisation" of the operating costs across the District so that all ratepayers connected to the District's sewerage schemes pays roughly the same. There have been affordability concerns raised about the cost to Benhar and Tokoiti ratepayers, and a new proposal has been put forward which asks for a bigger District contribution. Federated Farmers submitted in support of Council's preferred option. To have your say, contact David Cooper at dcooper@fedfarm.org.nz

Central Otago District Council Draft Outdoor Recreation Strategy - We responded to the Central Otago District Council on their Draft Outdoor Recreation Strategy. Key points of concern were ensuring public access on private farmland was appropriately managed in all areas. To have your say, contact Kim Reilly at kreilly@fedfarm.org.nz

Clutha District Council District Plan change - energy - We submitted to this plan change late last week. With potential for renewable energy development on the Clutha, and a National Policy Statement that sits above the Council's District Plan, the majority of the submission was attempting to ensure that electricity generation was not ‘enabled' or elevated to the extent that it negatively impacts on primary production. Hearings on these points will be in the new year. To have your say, contact David Cooper at dcooper@fedfarm.org.nz

Provincial newsletters

To download a copy of the latest provincial media release, newsletter and column, please click here.

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Federated Farmers 2011-2012 Directory

To download a copy of Federated Farmers 2011-2012 Directory click on the PDF below.

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