Environment Canterbury is seeking a more equitable mix of funding for its water investigations and monitoring work, which is required to understand the nature of the region's freshwater resource.

 

These costs are currently fully funded from general rates. From 1 July 2010 the council intends to recover a proportion of the cost of this work from consent holders. Implementation of the decision was delayed by 12 months to allow more time for consultation with consent holders and stakeholders.

 

A Working Group, made up of councillors and industry representatives, is currently consulting with the public on implementation of the charges.