Post by Kiwi Frontline on Jun 27, 2017 6:13:41 GMT 12
GOVERNMENT RMA CHANGES OMINOUS FOR FUTURE OF WATER
Recent changes by government to the Resource Management Act pointed to a grim future for the public’s water and in particular rivers say the NZ Federation of Freshwater Anglers (NZFFA).
The Federation’s annual report said Environment Minister Nick Smith and government had substantially strengthened the ability of government by devolving more power to central government and less to local councils.
“It's if deep concern that key aspects are that it is tantamount to legalising the degradation of the public's waterways, today and in the future. Water quality standards will be lowered. Alarmingly from a democratic perspective, there will be a reduction of input from regional and district councils and thereby the public’s voice.”
The Federation was strongly opposed to the concept of tradeable water rights, i.e. the direct commercialization of water and ability to buy and sell water rights.
"Water is essentially a public resource and must remain in the public domain,” said Graham Carter.....
www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1706/S00357/government-rma-changes-ominous-for-future-of-water.htm
Recent changes by government to the Resource Management Act pointed to a grim future for the public’s water and in particular rivers say the NZ Federation of Freshwater Anglers (NZFFA).
The Federation’s annual report said Environment Minister Nick Smith and government had substantially strengthened the ability of government by devolving more power to central government and less to local councils.
“It's if deep concern that key aspects are that it is tantamount to legalising the degradation of the public's waterways, today and in the future. Water quality standards will be lowered. Alarmingly from a democratic perspective, there will be a reduction of input from regional and district councils and thereby the public’s voice.”
The Federation was strongly opposed to the concept of tradeable water rights, i.e. the direct commercialization of water and ability to buy and sell water rights.
"Water is essentially a public resource and must remain in the public domain,” said Graham Carter.....
www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1706/S00357/government-rma-changes-ominous-for-future-of-water.htm