Increased pressure on the Waimakariri River has led to a decision by Environment Canterbury to change the Waimakariri River Regional Plan.

Environment Canterbury chairman Sir Kerry Burke says the need for a review of parts of the plan was a result of a number of resource consent applications for large quantities of river water and in particular, the Central Plains Water proposal.

“These kinds of applications were never considered when the plan was originally drafted more than 10 years ago and therefore the plan change identifies a more sustainable allocation of the available water,” he says.

“A change from the status quo will provide certainty that irrigation from the river can occur while at the same time provide better protection for the river and allow for more natural flow variations that contribute to river health and recreational values.”

The plan change aims to clear up some ambiguity and interpretation difficulties that have been apparent in the Waimakariri River Regional Plan from the outset.

“The plan change will only affect the mainstem of the river and not its tributaries (other than the Kowai River) as they are subject to a separate review,” says Sir Kerry.

“The proposed plan change introduces a gap of 30 cumecs above the A block allocations and then a B allocation block of 40 cumecs. This would allow the river to flow at a level that better meets recreational and natural values.”

Consultation with various stakeholder groups, including consent holders, has helped councillors decide on the best allocation regime.

“Today’s result gives clarity and certainty for the community and provides direction to manage outstanding water allocation applications.”

The plan change will be formally notified in coming weeks. Sir Kerry says the submission period gives interested parties a chance to have their say about the proposed plan change.

For further information: Environment Canterbury Chairman, Sir Kerry Burke, 0275 425 848 or Lynda Weastell, Natural Resources Planning Manager Air and Rivers, (home Fridays) 03 314 6153 or 027 223 8070.