Federated Farmers disappointed with Forest and Bird’s appeal of High Court Decision

Federated Farmers is deeply disappointed that Forest and Bird has appealed the High Court judgement allowing the DOC land exchange that will pave the way for the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme in the Hawkes Bay.

Federated Farmers water spokesperson Chris Allen says that this was an obvious delaying tactic, stalling a much needed project that has been through a series of extremely rigorous environmental tests and challenges.

“This is a critical piece of regional infrastructure. Hawkes Bay is a key farming region that suffers from frequent summer dry periods with good soils and great climate for all types of farming. Local farmers are crying out for reliable water access and the last thing they need is this delay tactic,” he says.

The Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme is designed to provide irrigation to around 25,000 hectares of farm land in central Hawke’s Bay and co-benefit the river through improved environmental flows.

ENDS

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