MacKenzie plan about development not conservation

The MacKenzie Agreement is focussed on freeing up land for development rather than conservation and creates unnecessary new processes, Ruth Dyson, Labour’s Conservation spokesperson said today.

“The ecological and economic benefits from the MacKenzie Basin in terms of recreation and tourism have not been truly considered. The Alps2Ocean cycleway and related increased tourism appear to have been forgotten.

“The agreement lacks understanding and commitment. It seems more focussed on freeing up land for development.

“The key proposal of the establishment of a Mackenzie Country Trust is unnecessary. It will require both legislation and funding but its purpose and coverage areas are unclear. The agreement specifically says the plan will not contain a map of land identified as being of value for conservation. This is of major concern.

“Collaboration has been undermined by provocative tenure reviews and the Ecan legislation which changed all the rules for water conservation orders.

“I don’t see how the agreement can progress a drylands conservation park in the Mackenzie Basin. Labour supports such a park and I believe that it should have formed part of the agreement.

“The Mackenzie/Omarama Basin is an iconic part of our country and it is good to see so much work has gone into this plan from all parties.

“The recognition of the intrinsic value of the area and the creation of a drylands conservation park are two key priorities I will be looking to progress when the legislation is introduced,” Ruth Dyson said.

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