Funding support to enhance water quality
7 May 2014
Funding support to enhance water quality
Landowners in the Waihopai and Waikawa catchments will have better access to funding for fencing and planting following a decision by Environment Southland councillors today to relax grant criteria.
The Living Streams fund supports landowners in the two catchments by awarding grants to projects that protect or enhance water quality such as fencing waterways and riparian planting.
Senior Programme Leader Amy Kirk said the grant was a significant incentive for landowners wanting to put up fencing to protect waterways. “Keeping stock from accessing waterways is the easiest first step to improve and protect water quality, which is our top priority,” she said.
She said fencing, creating wetlands or restoring stream banks often came with large price tags, and the relaxed criteria would allow landowners better access to the funding that is available.
Regional Services chairman Ross Cockburn expressed his approval for the decision and commended the work of the Living Streams programme. “This is about encouraging people to do something about water quality.”
Environment Southland land sustainability officers will work with landowners who want to apply for a grant to create a riparian management plan and implement best management practices.
ENDS