27 May 2016

GWRC welcomes new funding to improve water quality

Chris Laidlaw, Chair of Greater Wellington Regional Council says a new $100 million contestable fund announced in yesterday’s Budget to help clean up water ways is extremely welcome.

“This funding will help us to work with communities to improve water quality” said Mr Laidlaw. “We are facing hefty cost increases, as are landowners, in meeting the Government's new national standards for freshwater.”

“We are on a transformational path from neglect of water resources to a new regime where the quality and availability of water is the first priority. The fund is a useful recognition of the vital work of regional and local councils working alongside their communities in innovative and new ways to protect fresh water resources which is fundamental to our future,” said Mr Laidlaw.

Two Whaitua Committees are currently working alongside communities in Porirua and Ruamāhanga (Wairarapa) to develop environmental goals for land and water management in their catchments. This will include setting targets and limits for water. More committees across the region will focus on their values and water needs over the coming years.

Some of the recommendations communities and Whaitua Committees put forward will become part of our regional policies and regulations controlling how resources are managed in our catchments. Other recommendations will be picked up and implemented by communities themselves.

ENDS

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