Tighter rules for local waterways to benefit Hutt

National's Hutt South candidate Chris Bishop has welcomed practical moves from the Government to improve freshwater quality in waterways like Waiwhetu Stream.

Speaking on the banks of the Waiwhetu following the announcement, Mr Bishop said, "Our local streams and rivers in the Hutt Valley are in need of practical solutions to protect them. Historical pollution has prevented many residents and families from enjoying the Waiwhetu, and we need to ensure tighter rules to keep the stream clean for future generations."

The Waiwhetu Steam suffers from long-standing heavy metal pollution following historical untreated discharges from local industries. These are hazardous to ecological and human health. In 2009/10, a jointly-funded $21 million remediation project helped clean up the stream.

"The Hutt community isn't proud of the fact that Waiwhetu remains the only stream to have actually caught fire – when discharge of flammable contaminants that spread across the surface of the stream went up in flames," said Mr Bishop.

"While Waiwhetu Stream is slowly improving following an expensive remediation project, our waterways need better protection against future pollution and these national standards will help ensure just that.

"As the only candidate putting practical initiatives to improve our local environment at the heart of their campaign, I'm delighted by these tighter national standards for freshwater.

"Residents I've been speaking too are sick of the 'All Talk, No Action' on our local streams and creeks in our neighbourhoods. Practical solutions to freshwater management, like these robust national standards, are going to make a real difference in our communities.

"Our local environment is a valuable resource that we must preserve and protect. It’s a big part of our quality of life and our community. I've pledged to do everything I can to help make our rivers and streams enjoyable for all our community."

ENDS

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