Canterbury Farmers Seek Ongoing Involvement In Regional Plan

Combined Canterbury Provinces Media Release

28 March 2002

The Combined Canterbury Provinces of Federated Farmers are keen to continue discussions with Environment Canterbury regarding the region's draft Natural Resources Regional Plan (NRRP).

Federated Farmers presented a joint submission on the NRRP to the Council today. The submission represents the views of Mid, North, and South Canterbury, the South Island High Country Committee and North Otago and approximately 3,700 farming families.

Federated Farmers see this submission as a starting point to ongoing consultation regarding the plan, says Combined Canterbury Provinces President Pam Richardson. . Federated Farmers has conducted an extensive consultation process on the NRRP including 15 regional meetings, the distribution of 300 copies of the regional plan, and a special newsletter.

"This has been an open and inclusive process and we have shared actively with other stakeholders including pork and dairy industry groups, small rural communities, monitor farm groups, district councils and irrigation companies.

"It is disappointing that the tone of our submissions is generally negative, but the amount of work involved in submitting to this plan has restricted the opportunity to suggest alternative solutions to rules.

"The Resource Management Act is about finding new ways of doing things, and the Federation is keen to take on this challenge."

ENDS

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