Water, land plan adopted

THE proposed Southland Water and Land Plan has been adopted but it was a long and litigious journey.

The plan was adopted yesterday by Environment Southland. Developed and notified in 2016, the proposed plan was intended to be the first step to provide Southland a regional regulatory framework to prevent further decline in water quality.

To do that, Environment Southland adopted the approach that land and water should be managed in a holistic way, recognising the connectivity between surface and groundwater, and between freshwater, land and the coast. The plan introduced new rules for activities like intensive winter grazing, stock access to waterways and land use intensification.

Environment Southland chairman Nicol Horrell said, in a statement, the adoption marked the culmination of nearly 10 years’ work, six of which have been in the Environment Court working through the resolution of parties’ appeals. ‘‘This plan is the product of a robust process over many years and is underpinned by Southlandspecific science presented by all parties,’’ he said. ‘‘While this has been a long process, it’s produced a plan that is tailored for Southland and has involved many parties and individuals who have an interest in Southland’s environment.

He said the plan provided a robust foundation for continuing to develop a Southland solution to water quality challenges. Tied in with national changes, the council expected the regulatory landscape to be clearer for farmers and others undertaking activities.

From May 27 the plan will mostly be operative, though there will still be a small number of appeals points unresolved. These include some water quantityrelated matters before the Environment Court and two appeals remain with the High Court following earlier interim decisions.

The proposed plan was developed and engaged on with the Southland community in 2015 and 2016.

There were 947 submissions to it and 274 of those submitters were heard.

The decisions were accepted by the council in April, 2018 which led to 25 appeals to the Environment Court.

The court then issued nine interim decisions and consent orders.

Southlanders are able to operate under existing use rights until the relevant rules are made operative.

By November 27, the activity either needs to comply with the permitted activity conditions or a consent application must be lodged with Environment Southland.

Farmers still need to get a farm plan as Environment Southland see them as a key part of the plan to improve water quality.