Environment Canterbury is defending its weed control work after coming under fire for the state of the riverbanks along Hakatere/Ashburton River.
Residents raised their concerns with uncontrolled weeds along the river as part of Ashburton District Council’s open spaces strategy review.
Environment Canterbury (ECan), as the regional council, has jurisdiction over the region's major waterways, including the stop banks and river berms.
In his submission, Bruce Leigh asked for a "real explanation" on who manages the area.
"ECan seem to be around but don’t see them doing any weed control on either side of the river”.
His submission struck a chord with Cr Carolyn Cameron, who said she had contacted ECan about overgrown weeds, specifically Old Man's Beard, 18 months ago.
The district councillor pointed to the continued “dissatisfaction” in the community at the spread of noxious weeds, and said it was either time for ECan to step up, or they let some community groups do it.
Community groups are trying hard to tidy up and make walkways attractive to encourage people to visit, she said.
“It would be really good if we had some support from those that are tasked with the responsibility of keeping the riverbeds clean and tidy.”
Mike Prince also submitted, citing the weed problems, specifically in the riverbeds such as willow, broom, gorse, and sycamores.
Ashburton District Council strategy and policy manager Mark Low said the community feedback relating to ECan would be forwarded on to the regional council.
Cameron asked for the response to be shared with councillors.
Environment Canterbury rivers manager David Aires said the regional council carries out weed control along the Hakatere/Ashburton River every year as part of its river maintenance programme.
“This work focuses on managing pest plants in river fairways, berms, and around flood protection infrastructure, in line with the river asset management plan.
“Ground-based weed control generally takes place from spring through to late summer (around October to May, depending on conditions).
“Aerial spraying is typically carried out once a year, usually in February, subject to weather and river conditions.”
In most cases, the current programme is sufficient to maintain river conditions and manage flood risk, he said.
“ECan is also exploring additional and complementary methods in some river reaches to improve longer term pest plant control.”
Funding for the work is set annually, and work is prioritised to areas where weed growth poses the greatest risk to flood capacity and river assets, he said.
The overall level of weed control carried out each year is generally consistent.
However, the amount of work required can vary depending on factors such as seasonal weed growth, river flows and flood events.
He said ECan already works with a number of community groups along the Hakatere /Ashburton River and “welcome interest from others”.
“Any organised work within the riverbed or on riverbanks does require coordination with us, given safety, environmental and regulatory considerations.”
