Joint approach

It is not surprising that irrigators are disappointed that a majority of Tasman district councillors have correctly decided that the cost and risks of the proposed Waimea dam significantly outweighed the benefits. Their ongoing propaganda that the council will face higher costs to solve augmentation for potable supplies is just that – propaganda.

A joint Tasman District CouncilNelson City Council working party will easily identify the short-, medium- and long-term options for reinforcing the potable supplies, and a staged approach will ensure an affordable pathway for water ratepayers.

If irrigators need help from central or local government to solve their water augmentation needs, then they need to be prepared to pledge their own assets, and in the fullness of time post-the debt repayment period, repay the tax and rates-based assistance.

Had the commercial and risksharing structure for the proposed dam been proportionate to the water augmentation benefit, then an entirely different decision would have been justifiable and able to be made. The eight councillors who correctly voted are to be congratulated for recognising their responsibilities to ensuring value for spend for the region’s ratepayers.

Paul MacLennan

Nelson, August 29