Central Otago Environmental Society member Phil Murray raised the group’s concern about a proposal for the council to present a local Bill to Parliament to rebuild and expand Falls Dam.
‘‘Water quality in the Manuherikia catchment has been declining over the past decade and longer in line with a quite rapid and significant land use facilitated by water extraction from the catchment.’’
While the group accepted the ageing dam had to be replaced, it did not agree that a new one should be three times the size, he said.
A larger dam would result in more than doubling the irrigated land area, most likely into pasture and pasture feed crops supporting dairying, Mr Murray said.
There was no comprehensive minimum flow for the catchment and no restriction on winter feed crops being established on highly porous alluvial soils near the river.
The group’s fear was the Manuherikia would end up in the same poor state as those in Southland and Canterbury, he said.
Subsidising irrigation in Central Otago was an attempt to facilitate land use better suited to areas with higher rainfall such as Southland and the Waikato.
The proposal was taking the decision about the future of Falls Dam out of the local community.
‘‘[It is] a betrayal of local democracy, making the community subservient to a narrow central government agenda.’’
Maniototo councillor Stu Duncan said irrigation was used across the district from farmers to lifestyle block owners on the outskirts of Alexandra using water for beautification.
Much of Central Otago’s growth and productivity was from farming and that needed water.
An enhanced Falls Dam could enhance tourism and attract new events, he said.
Central Otago District Mayor Tamah Alley reiterated no decision had been made on whether the proposal would go ahead.
