Drop-in sessions conclude

Engaged in discussion about the Land and Water Regional Plan at an Otago Regional Council drop in...
Engaged in discussion about the Land and Water Regional Plan at an Otago Regional Council drop in session at Ophir are (from left) Strath Taieri farmer Lynnore Templeton, Dean Sinnamon, from Beef + Lamb, ORC scientist Pete Ravenscroft, Jacqui Todd and ORC general manager policy and science Anita Dawe (back to camera). PHOTO: JULIE ASHER
Parking was at a premium in Ophir’s main street on Friday as people gathered for the final Otago Regional Council drop-in session about its land and water regional plan (LWRP).

The meeting in the Ophir Peace Memorial Hall was the 12th to be held across the region as the Otago Regional Council (ORC) prepares the LWRP.

More than 70 people attended.

ORC chairwoman Gretchen Robertson said the plan would set the long-term vision of how Otago’s land and waterways would be managed and protected for many years ahead.

ORC general manager of policy and science Anita Dawe said she expected water flows, excluding sheep from waterways, cow numbers and synthetic nitrogen would be hot topics at the session.

ORC chief executive Richard Saunders said by late afternoon the most common topics raised were setting minimum flow rates for the Manuherekia River and proposed rules for farming.

There had been support for more stringent rules to protect waterways from farmers at other drop-in sessions, Ms Dawe said.

Springvale beef farmer Noeleen Christey said she attended because she had "a fear of legislation".

She was also angry at the negative spin she believed the media put on farming.

Nitrogen in waterways came from many sources and was not a farmer’s issue, she said.

Being able to pick up copies of the LWRP documents at the session was helpful.

"How many farmers know the different acts we are under?"

Although the sessions have concluded, people can still have their say on the LWRP until November 6 by using an online form at www.orc.govt.nz/feedback