Shaun Burdon's opinion article (8.4.13) exhibited the same poor grasp of the facts he accused Otago Regional Councillor Trevor Kempton of in his excellent article summarising the background, benefits and risks of the council's investment in Tarras Water Ltd (TWL). The 40-plus multimillion-dollar businesses are shareholders of TWL, not just properties on a 2009 map. Each of these 40 shareholders is a family endeavouring to run a business on their respective properties and it is a total falsehood to say fewer than 20 families are now involved.
Yes, there is great deal of reliable water available for irrigation, only if you can access the Clutha River or its aquifer. Virtually all of those 20 pivots draw water from within about 1km of the Clutha River. TWL wishes to do the same by distributing water to 6000ha not located right beside the Clutha.
A Tarras scheme covering 10,000ha was never contemplated, even during the concept phase. The 2009 feasibility study reported on a project that could viably draw water directly from the Clutha and distribute it to 7700ha by pumps and underground pipes. In accordance with its ''no area stranded dry'' policy, right from the early stages, the council encouraged TWL to deliver water to as many irrigable properties as it was economically viable to do.
On the other hand, TWL was always mindful of ensuring any shares the council, as the ''dry'' shareholder, did pick up were able to be on-sold to a future water-user. This accounts for the incremental refinement in the design and scheme area. Remember, a dry shareholder simply enables construction of the project by investing in the shares not bought on day one and holding them over the short term until these water-users subsequently join the scheme.
Mr Burdon selectively quotes from the Harris Consulting report, which also stated the project would add 271 jobs and $19 million directly to the Otago economy. As well, there will be 100 jobs engaged in the construction of the project. These economic gains, alongside implementation of the council's Water Plan and water being returned to the Lindis River are all benefits Mr Burdon, the district and the whole region can welcome.
