While still a busy time for Otago farmers, October is better than September for the bulk of the hearings on proposed changes to the region's water quality regulations, Otago Federated Farmers president Stephen Korteweg says.
The Otago Regional Council has announced a six-week hearing schedule that will see the panel for its 6A water plan changes hear submissions in Dunedin starting on September 10 and then travel to Alexandra, Balclutha, Oamaru and Wanaka before finishing in Dunedin on October 23.
The proposed plan change seeks to maintain or improve water quality in Otago's rivers, streams, and lakes. It includes rules to control pollution entering rural waterways from run-off, leaching, and farm drains.
Submissions will be heard by former Queenstown Lakes mayor Clive Geddes and councillors Duncan Butcher (chairman) and David Shepherd.
The issue of having an independent member on the panel was a controversial one for the council, but Cr Louise Croot, who chairs the appointment panel, said she was happy with the selection of Mr Geddes, a Resource Management Act-accredited commissioner.
His nine years as Queenstown Lakes mayor meant he had a good understanding of the broader issues - including economic development - facing the region, she said.
"It's a very experienced group. David has irrigation experience and Duncan a good knowledge of the water plan, so it's a good combination."
Of the 334 original submissions and 76 further submissions, 243 had requested to be heard.
Mr Korteweg said having the hearings spread out into October was "slightly better" than early September, as first indicated by the council.
"We'll just have to deal with it."
Springtime was a very busy time for farming, with lambing, calving and tailing happening, and was also prone to adverse weather conditions, requiring farmers to be on the farm and not "standing in meeting rooms".
"A better time would be January. Would the bureaucrats find that suitable?"
The response from the regional council that no time was a good one for farmers, showed how out of touch they were, Mr Korteweg said.
Council director of policy and resource planning Fraser McRae said once the panel had heard submissions, it would prepare a report for the council with their recommendations.
The council would then make a decision on the matters raised in submissions, and publicly notify it.
Those making submissions could appeal the council's decision to the Environment Court. Once any appeals were resolved, the council could approve the proposed plan change.
Submissions will be heard in Dunedin from September 10 to18 at the Salvation Army's Haven Lounge; Balclutha, September 20-21 at the South Otago Town and Country Club; Wanaka, September 24-25 at the Edgewater Resort Hotel; Alexandra, September 25-26 at the Cellar Door; Oamaru , October 1-5 at the Oamaru Opera House; the Dunedin again on October 8-11 and 23 at the Salvation Army.
