Canterbury is facing up to the reality that its water supply is not limitless, with a draft strategy on the issue released yesterday.
The Canterbury water management strategy has been developed through Environment Canterbury (ECan), involving extensive consultation and resulting in a draft to gain public feedback.
The general thrust of the strategy has been agreed on by a steering group, the Canterbury Mayoral Forum (which involves all district and city council mayors), and Minister of Agriculture David Carter on behalf of the Government.
"There is more work to be done on the detail, but we have a broad direction," steering group chairman Ashburton Mayor Bede O'Malley said yesterday.
"Perhaps for the first time we are facing the reality that the supply of water is not limitless."
Water was needed for farming, the environment, conservation, tourism and recreation.
It had to be shared in a way that benefited all, and that was not easy.
There had been extensive debate on the strategy, but this time it had been with a focus and purpose.
"Parties who previously haven't talked are now talking and progressing. I am very optimistic that we can get a positive and productive way forward."
Mr O'Malley said the Resource Management Act had become less effective in dealing with the pressure on water resources.
"We need some new instruments for water management," Mr O'Malley said.
Some of the key elements in the strategy include:
> Development of water storage, environmental restoration, conservation, and recreational and cultural uses.
> Strong local involvement in planning to encourage diverse water interests to address their differences and find solutions.
> Commitment to early environmental restoration.
> Improvement in land-use practices to improve and protect water quality.
> Increased reliability through storage.
> Improved efficiency across all uses.
> Strengthening the management of water supply by creating a water infrastructure and services entity.
"Many of these elements are major departures from current practice, but comprise the essential parts of a total solution," Mr O'Malley said.
A priority of the strategy was meeting the need for new water, which would come from new storage.
This would provide greater reliability of supply for farmers and bring in revenue that would be used to encourage more efficient use of existing water, provide water for environmental flows, incentives for improved land management and cash for long-term environmental restoration.
Feedback, comment and debate from stakeholders and the public is now being sought, closing on October 2.
It is hoped the strategy will be completed next month or in November.