Region Agrees to Help Protect Waterways from Dairy Farming

7 July 2004

Auckland regional waterways will be better protected from the impacts of dairy farming, under a new action plan signed by the ARC and Fonterra today.

The plan, which was drafted by both parties in consultation with Federated Farmers, is based around the Dairying and Clean Streams Accord, which was signed by regional councils around the country in May 2003.

The plan outlines voluntary targets for dairy farmers in the Auckland region, including prevention of stock access to waterways, the protection of significant wetlands, sound nutrient management and the provision of culverts or bridges across waterways.

The Auckland Regional Council Chair, Gwen Bull, says today’s signing shows a real commitment by the dairy farming industry to protect the environment.

“This action plan is a positive move forward for the dairy industry in the region. I congratulate Fonterra for its commitment to protecting our waterways, and look forward to working with them and the industry to implement the plan”.

The plan includes an agreed list of actions to be undertaken by the ARC and Fonterra over the next 12 months. This list will be revised each year, keeping the waterway protection targets in mind.

Cr Bull says the ARC will encourage and assist farmers in carrying out the plan by providing support and information.

Barry O’Donnell, Director of Fonterra’s Shareholder Services, says farmers take great pride in caring for their land, and dairy farmers are already leading the way in taking steps to protect their local environment and waterways.

“This action plan will help them continue their good work, and protect our waterways for the future”.

Regions around the country are developing similar action plans plan to meet the targets in the Accord.

ENDS

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