Despite a loan guarantee worth about $20 million less than hoped for, developers of a Tarras irrigation scheme are pleased and grateful the Central Otago District Council is "breaking totally new ground".
The creation of an irrigation pond that could provide water for a 2500ha area around Waitaki is ahead of schedule and should be operational next month.
Tarras Water Ltd has been given a second chance to provide more information on its proposed irrigation scheme to the Otago Regional Council before it decides whether to put the case for investment out for the public to have their say.
Irrigation schemes in Otago could prove a profitable start-up investment for both local councils and foreign investors, Primary Industries Minister David Carter says.
A decade-long plan to drought-proof farms in the Waihao basin, west of Waimate, could come a step closer to reality next week, when farmers are given a chance to approve the tentative $37.5 million cost to build the Waihao Downs Irrigation Scheme.
The biggest investment since the Lower Waitaki irrigation scheme was built in the 1970s is taking shape at Ferry Rd.
Dairy farmers need to set up their effluent systems correctly and check them regularly to avoid prosecution, the Otago Regional Council warns.
Asher Flatt believes minimum flows for Otago rivers may be too low.
The North Otago Irrigation Company's (NOIC) audited self-management system has won the 2012 Irrigation New Zealand innovation award.
The Government's proposed asset sales programme has implications for Waitaki River stakeholders, writes Elizabeth Soal.
The Otago Regional Council is warning thousands of farmers with consent to take irrigation water from rivers to conserve as much water as possible to reduce the pressure on rapidly dwindling rivers.
For Strath Taieri couple Ben and Anna Graham, irrigation provides certainty and gives balance to a dry property.
Mention irrigation and dairy farming usually springs to mind. Agribusiness reporter Sally Rae explores some of the diversity that irrigation makes possible in North Otago, showing it isn't all about dairy cows.
Irrigation was the lifeblood of Central Otago and plans to charge for irrigation water could drive the wine and horticulture industries out of business, election candidates were told at a forum in Alexandra yesterday.
National is promising a $400 million boost to irrigation and water storage development if re-elected.
Tarras was founded on gold and sheep. Now, like much of the South Island high country, its future depends on water.
A water catchment plan that could result in a dam being built inland from Dunback and enhancements to the Shag River will be outlined at a public meeting at Palmerston on October 26.
The "open for business" status of the Irrigation Acceleration Fund marks a new era for community irrigation infrastructure development in New Zealand, Irrigation New Zealand says.
The new $35 million Irrigation Acceleration Fund is now "open for business" and several Central Otago groups anticipate applying for grants soon.
The Green Party's plans to charge for irrigation water would be a death blow for Central Otago if implemented, a farming accountant said yesterday.
