Wasn’t the whole election one big roller
coaster? If we have learnt one this from
this whole affair, it is that we are all very passionate about our water resources
– not necessarily for the same reasons, but passionate none the less.
Regardless of who ends up running
the country (at the time of penning this blog, Winnie was still courting both the National and Labour parties), I think it is clear that public opinion will
ensure that water management and associated policies will be addressed is some
way, shape or form by the incoming government.
Given this, I think it is important (and timely) to look back and
acknowledge where we have got too in relation to this, but also to look forward at where we can still go.
The National Policy Statement
for Freshwater Management (NPSFM) and Regional Plans
Most regional councils now either
have notified or operative plans which outline their methods for addressing
water quantity and water quality. While
no two plans are alike, the NPSFM requires limits are set, therefore, all plans
do just that – they set allocation limits for surface and groundwater
resources, as well as water quality limits.
It is the latter which takes various forms including property limits
and/or catchment limits using Overseer, in stream water quality limits, and the
development of the Good Management Practice (GMP) framework. Many councils have also adopted the use of audited
Farm Environment Plans to be able to monitor, measure, report and ensure that
farms are meeting their environmental obligations.
As with anything in life, good
things take time. Councils are in the
process of rolling out and implementing these plans now. The effects will not be immediate, but they need
to be given a chance to actually work.
It must also be remembered that
for many areas, it is as much about maintaining the already good water quality
that exists – this is not allowed to deteriorate. For those few areas where improvement is
needed, the plans bite much harder, and that it totally appropriate.
The fact that all of this has
occurred seems to have been completely overlooked by many, and it’s not just
politicians I’m referring too.
How are we meeting our
environmental obligations already?
Figures provided by Irrigation
New Zealand show that since 2011:
·
- $10 million invested in audited Farm Environment Plans;
- $600 million invested by existing irrigators upgrading to modern, efficient irrigation systems;
- $18 million invested in precision irrigation technologies;
- $15 million invested in installing irrigation decision-making technologies;
- More than 24,000 kilometres of our waterways have already been fenced off to exclude stock at a cost of $220 million.
As we continue to meet our environmental
obligations, you can only expect these numbers to increase. It is noted that this expenditure is all on
farm, reinforcing the point that water quality will be addressed at the farm
level.
Looking Forward
Regional Councils need to
continue to implement their plans. This may seem like an obvious thing to
state, but it’s true nonetheless.
Consistent messages and enforcement from the regulatory bodies will be a
must.
I believe that many farmers are
on board with GMP (the on-farm practices) despite still being largely ignorant
or merely confused by the new environmental regulations. Education is still key to the success of this
stuff, and that has to come from all involved – banks, valuers, real estate
agents, farm advisors, customers… anybody involved with the farm. And, many farmers are being innovative and taking up technology where it is available. You only have to look at the statistics above regarding the investment to date in irrigation upgrades and precision irrigation technologies.
And last, but not least, time,
time, time. To quote Rachel Hunter from
her Pantene ad, “it doesn’t happen overnight, but it will happen”, and it is
happening. Get on board, and keep it up.
