The Otago Regional Council is backing its approach to water management in Otago, saying it is "simpler and more cost-effective" than Government-backed recommendations for fresh water management.
"I do believe we have something pretty special going on in Otago," natural resources chairwoman Gretchen Robertson said at a recent meeting.
In a report outlining the council's response to water quality and quantity improvements, chief executive Graeme Martin said additions and some significant revisions had been made to the council's regional water plan to take into account changes in the region and to plan for the end of mining privileges in 2021.
"Further changes are required to ensure water quality is maintained or improved under the challenges of more intensive farming."
Fundamental to this was community information, understanding and support, he said.
These pressures were faced by many regions and the Government had agreed to a programme seeking a new regulatory director for managing fresh water, including the collaborative Land and Water Forum process.
"Council regards the LAWF report as a useful addition to the national water debate, but had concerns that it was not necessarily an overarching template for good governance and cost efficient water management."
Freshwater management was at a turning point and regional councils could either chose to follow the land and water forum pathway or carry on their own way, he said.
While the council agreed with the Government's quest for effective water management, it differed on how to achieve it.
At a national level, Mr Martin was a member of a local government regional affairs sub-committee on water.
"The issue is if we do not share information ... we may not be able to follow through to completion [our water plans]."
Chairman Stephen Woodhead said the "focus was on our people and our issues" and what "we as a region consider the best for the future".
Cr Bryan Scott said the approach meant the council would be going "into battle for what we believe is right for Otago".
However, Cr Michael Deaker warned the council would still have to somehow bring its approach within the policy established by the Government, as to not think that would be naive.
"As much as we are committed to our work, our solutions, our problems ... we can still be part of the solution, not part of the problem."
Cr David Shepherd said he was "adamant" in his support for the council's water management philosophy and would not be able to stand having that foppishly "watered down".
Regional water plan changes
- For the provision of easier community-managed water uses and groundwater management systems.
- Setting minimum flows for several rivers.
- Protect regionally significant wetlands.
- Funding of feasibility studies for bulk rural water projects.
- Rural water quality strategy developed and forums held.
- Urban water quality strategy developed.
- Pomahaka catchment water quality study.
- Study of Manuherikia catchment water quality began.
- Initiated work towards water quality sampling tool.
