A new way to manage Canterbury's water resources now has the
support of all 10 district and city councils in Canterbury,
including the Waitaki District Council.
The Canterbury Water Management Strategy has been prepared
under the guidance of the Canterbury Mayoral Forum with the
support of Environment Canterbury (ECan).
However, the future of the strategy, including its
implementation, now rests with the Government, which still
has to decide what to do with a report that criticises the
way ECan has handled water management and recommends setting
up a Canterbury Water Management Authority.
Ashburton Mayor Bede O'Malley, chairman of the Canterbury
Water Management Strategy steering committee, said the
strategy was gaining real momentum now all Canterbury
councils had endorsed it.
The Waitaki District Council was the last, giving the nod at
its council meeting last Wednesday.
The strategy provides for a collaborative approach to water
management in Canterbury and Mr Bede said receiving
endorsement by the 10 councils and ECan demonstrated the
commitment to finding community-led solutions for water
issues in the region.
The Canterbury Water Management Strategy is being implemented
by ECan in conjunction with Canterbury territorial
authorities, central government, Ngai Tahu, as well as key
water stakeholders.
"We believe the Canterbury Water Management Strategy will
allow us to get decision-making around water issues out of
the courts and into the community where it belongs," he said.
david.bruce@odt.co.nz
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