Media release
13 November 2012

Time running out to have say on local water management

Locals are running out of time to have their say on the draft Banks Peninsula Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP) for water management.

In late October the Banks Peninsula Zone Committee hosted four community meetings around the zone to get feedback from locals.

Zone committee Chair Richard Simpson said the committee was pleased with the level of engagement from the local community.

“We were very happy with how engaged participants were at each of our community meetings and the discussions we had with key stakeholder groups were also invaluable.

“The role of the zone committee is to work with the local community to develop water management solutions that will benefit our region for generations to come.

“We have worked closely with our community to develop our draft ZIP and balance the competing demands and varying viewpoints relating to water.

“We are keen to receive a diverse range of feedback to ensure our recommendations reflect the community’s aspirations before the feedback period closes in mid-November,” he said.

Some of the key points raised at the community meetings included sediment control, drinking water quality, how to build a resilient water supply, and the impact of tourism on the local water resource.

The Banks Peninsula draft ZIP includes ten chapters, with each chapter focussing on a different priority area for water management.

“The recommendations made in the draft Banks Peninsula ZIP are designed to enable present and future generations the greatest environmental, cultural, social and economic benefits from the region’s water.

“The underlying philosophy of the CWMS is that local communities should be making decisions on local water management. How we manage water has an influence on our quality of life and prosperity both now and for future generations.

“Community input is vital to ensuring our water resource is managed sustainability. We are keen to hear what local people like and don’t like about the recommendations and whether there are other things they think should be changed,” said Richard Simpson.

Once community feedback has been considered the ZIP will be updated and presented to councils as the basis for work programmes and for drafting regional plans.

The feedback period closes on 16 November, 2012. Community members can submit feedback online at the Banks Peninsula page by visiting www.ecan.govt.nz/canterburywater .

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