Ecan commissioners set three-year goals

Environment Canterbury's commissioners have set targets for the next three years aimed at achieving sustainable solutions to environmental, economic, cultural and social issues for all of the regional council's area, which includes part of North Otago.

The seven commissioners, appointed by the Government in April to replace elected councillors, have written to Environment Minister Nick Smith and Local Government Minister Rodney Hide outlining their work programme.

It reflects areas of priority for the commissioners between now and October, 2013, when elections will be held to again elect councillors.

There is no election for Environment Canterbury (ECan) this year.

ECan chairwoman Margaret Bazley said an ambitious programme of work for staff and commissioners had been set.

It would require working constructively with territorial authorities (including the Waitaki, Waimate and Mackenzie District Councils), Ngai Tahu and other stakeholders, particularly around freshwater management.

"It is an exciting time to be involved in resource management in this region, with the Canterbury water-management strategy [CWMS] gaining traction and statutory mechanisms like the Hurunui River moratorium enabling us to ensure there will be a planned approach to water allocation and restoration in that catchment."

There are four specific timeframes outlined:
- Making decisions on the natural resources regional plan - water plan chapters to be notified in October.
- Making recommendations on the Hurunui River water conservation order - hearing early next year.
- Review and implement the findings of the review of Environment Canterbury's institutional arrangements. First report due at the end of this month.
- Working with Canterbury territorial authorities to develop and implement the CWMS. By the end of this month, four zone committees and the regional committee established; biodiversity programme for freshwater priorities started.