Media Statement

28 November 2009

Canterbury Water Management Strategy and Canterbury V5

The Canterbury Water Management Strategy is being implemented at the same time it has been short-listed as one of the Canterbury V projects.
“We welcome recognition from the Canterbury V judges that the Canterbury Water Management Strategy is one of the top local initiatives that has both regional and national significance,” says Grant McFadden, a member of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy steering Group.

After two years in the making the Canterbury Water Management Strategy framework document – which sets out how the Strategy will be implemented – was released in early November, following a comprehensive public consultation phase.

 “The Strategy seeks to protect and repair the environment, to balance economic growth with social and cultural needs, and to ensure the efficient use of resources.

“In recent years the health of Canterbury’s rivers, streams, lakes and aquifers has declined, the supply of water for agriculture has become less reliable, and cultural and recreational opportunities have reduced,” says Grant Mc Fadden. 

“The Strategy provides an environmentally viable framework to allow existing and future generations to derive the greatest benefit from Canterbury’s water resources.

“We believe the Strategy will allow people to become more involved in decision-making about water, and reach consensus decisions rather than resorting to legalistic court battles.”

Under the Strategy water-users will self-manage water-takes and water use with a system of auditing to reduce compliance costs.

“Water resources throughout Canterbury are interconnected and the consensual and collaborative approach advocated in the Strategy will improve understanding and empathy between rural and urban communities.”

Benefits include a progressive improvement to ecosystems and water quality.  Farmers will also have improved and more reliable access to water, and systems for more efficient and productive use  Recreational and tourism activities will also be improved.

“In addition to the environmental, recreational, and cultural benefits, implementation of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy is predicted to boost regional GDP by $1.7 billion and create around 17,000 jobs,” concludes Grant McFadden.

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