DOC Seeks Input on Protecting Water

The Department of Conservation has called for calm in the growing battle over water quality in Southland. Southland conservator Lou Sanson said water quality was highly valued by Southlanders and crucial to the survival of a world famous recreational fishery, as well as native freshwater fish such as whitebait. "The fears of conservationist and outdoor recreation groups are understandable given what has occurred in other regions," Mr Sanson said.

"I can also understand the reaction of dairy farmers who feel they are being blamed for all the water quality problems facing Southland. "However, hurling accusations at each other will not produce the results we all want, particularly as access to our waterways is so important to most Southlanders," he said.

Most farmers DOC dealt with were careful and responsible and it was unfair to lump all dairy farmers together. "They may be the biggest and most obvious target but all land users have an important role to play in conservation." A key issue in the debate was how Southlanders wanted to see riverbed land controlled by the Crown managed to protect riparian water values.
DOC was working on getting agreement with Land Information New Zealand on this.

"We need a comprehensive freshwater management regime in Southland which will allow sustainable agricultural development and protect freshwater quality." Environment Southland was working towards that through the proposed Southland regional freshwater plan, which DOC supported but also wanted a more regulatory approach, Mr Sanson said.

All resource users needed to be clear about the minimum standards required for the use of water in Southland, which would help to ensure New Zealand's "clean, green" image was maintained properly.