Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean has joined those asking Environment Minister Nick Smith to call in the controversial Omarama-Ohau dairy farm consent applications.
In a statement yesterday, Mrs Dean said she believed the best way forward was for Dr Smith to call in the consents.
Dr Smith told her he intended making a decision this week, she said.
The Cabinet had asked for consultation with interested parties over the proposed dairy farms before Dr Smith decided whether the consent applications should be called in.
Mrs Dean had concerns about the scale of the proposals and extent of change they represented.
The Omarama and Ohau environment was sensitive and she did not want the lakes and rivers to end up like those in the central North Island facing major problems because of nutrients and effluent, she said.
"The further concern that needs to be considered is whether this type of farming is the image our agriculture industry wants. We pride ourselves on our open pastoral farming systems and high standard of animal welfare," she said.
Mrs Dean also had concerns about Environment Canterbury, "given its record of poor performance".
"I think people concerned about these consents would have greater confidence in the process if the minister called them in," she said.
The underlying issue was the protection of New Zealand's international reputation as a "clean, green tourist destination" and its farming brand.
