Thursday 31 January 2008

Water quality can no longer be swept under the carpet

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne has emphasised his party's concern over the state of water quality in many parts of rural New Zealand following today's state of the environment report.

Water quality was one of United Future's most immediate concerns running into the last election.

"I believe that clean water and unpolluted waterways are a basic requirement for any responsible society," said Mr Dunne.

"United Future has fought hard over the last couple of years to have water quality and not just water allocation accepted as a major part of the Government's Water Programme of Action.

"I agree wholeheartedly with Fish and Game New Zealand that action is long-overdue. For too long the concerns of fishers and other recreationalists have fallen on deaf ears, however those are the people who monitor the quality of New Zealand's lakes and rivers more than anyone else."

"I am confident that water quality can be greatly improved without affecting farm and industry productivity or running costs.

"The planting of trees around waterways, fencing streams off from stock, nutrient budgeting, nitrogen inhibitors and mitigating factory run-offs are all low-cost, no-regrets solutions to alleviating pollution into our waterways.

"While we are prudently monitoring waterways and have a handle on the enormity of the task, we must now make the tough decisions and act before it is too late," concluded Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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