Farming 'risk' to water quality, ecosystems

The mohua, one of the endangered species in the Upper Clutha. Photo by Stephen Jaquiery.
The mohua, one of the endangered species in the Upper Clutha. Photo by Stephen Jaquiery.
The ''accelerated'' loss of Upper Clutha ''basin-floor dryland'' is a matter the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society believed the Queenstown Lakes District Council should address in its 10-year plan.

Otago-Southland branch representative Anne Steven, of Wanaka, said intensification of farming was a potential ''significant risk'' to water quality and the health of freshwater ecosystems.

She listed among the threatened and at-risk plant and animal species the grand Otago skink, mohua, kea, Olearia hectorii, also known as Hector's tree daisy, and whipcord hebe.

''The council has a significant statutory role in ensuring the long-term protection of indigenous biodiversity and natural landscape character and preventing further loss and decline in both.''

Ms Steven called for adequate funding for such things as expert ecological advice in relation to resource consent processes.

There was also a need to develop a district-wide ''indigenous biodiversity strategy''.

As well, she said the society would like to see a contestable fund to help implement biodiversity enhancement projects and targeted funding for indigenous biodiversity enhancement on council reserve land.

• Bruce Jefferies, on behalf of the Upper Clutha branch, called for the council to become a partner in a conservation plan for 135,000ha of land in the Makarora area.

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