Fed’s want you to voice your opinion
By Alan Wills, Federated Farmers Rotorua / Taupo President
The deadline for submissions on Plan Change One [March 8], is looming large.
It is important that in the next three weeks those farming and living in the Upper Waikato take time to understand the potential impact of the planning rule changes and make a formal submission.
Healthy Rivers/wai Ora: Proposed Plan Change 1 is the Waikato Regional Council’s draft plan to address the complex issue of water quality in the Waipa and Waikato rivers, including tackling levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment and bacteria.
It will, without doubt, impact on how you manage your farm and what is expected of you. Don’t let it happen without understanding what it is all about and how it will impact on your family and your farm.
Federated Farmers has committed four water policy people to do an in-depth analysis of the potential impacts of PC1 as it stands at the moment. But we also want to hear your views on stock exclusion, farm environment plans (FEPS), the nitrogen referencing point (NRP), land use change and the science behind the Collaborative Stake Holders Group.
To help farmers and others get to grips with the issues, and formulate their responses, Federated Farmers has organised a series of workshops, which are open to members and non-members. Fed’s policy staff will run the workshops and will provide templates for making a submission to the Waikato Regional Council.
They will also share with local farmers some of their findings and what they consider to be important.
The local workshops are: Tokoroa, 6pm, Tuesday 21 February at the Southern United Rugby Football Club Mossop Rd; Reporoa, 6pm, Thursday 23 February, Reporoa War Memorial Hall.