Following an initial two-year period of water-quality testing by farmers throughout the Clutha district, Clutha Water Quality Project leaders are hoping to expand the project's reach.
Its facilitator, farmer and Pomahaka Water Care Group chairman Lloyd McCall, spoke to current and potential participants during a series of catchment group meetings this week.
These covered the region's principal river catchments, including Tokomairiro, Clutha-Tuakitoto, Waitahuna-Tuapeka, Owaka and Waiwera.
Speaking to a small group of farmers in Lawrence on Tuesday, Mr McCall said the next phase would depend on engaging each catchment's farmers to run individual, farmer-led water care groups, similar to the established and successful Pomahaka model.
"We want to move towards a shared goal of a sustainable future. Following these area meetings, we'll be gathering together on November 21 in Balclutha, for a Clutha-wide meeting with key stakeholders to discuss our next steps.''
Mr McCall said the group wanted farmers throughout the district to think about the future they wanted for its waterways.
"Let's see our kids playing in the creek again.''
