| It is with
great sadness and deep frustration that I read of the illogical
and self-serving stance taken by Manawatu Federated Farmers. They
agree they must do something about the problems they are causing.
Yet in an action bordering on the farcical, they refuse to sign
the very accord which over 30 leaders from the local community have
developed to deal with the problem. Federated Farmers claim to want
a river they can be proud of, but need ‘ready access to credible
scientific information that identifies the causes, the remedies
and the economic costs involved with any solution’
As Peter Dunne of UnitedFuture has said, “It
is the last part of that statement that really shows the farmers
true concerns. While they are willing to pay lip service to being
part of the solution, they will only do so if they feel the cost
is not too high to them.”
Can I say to Mckellar and Barrow, shame on you
and your ilk. To ensure you maximise your profits you are asking
the whole community and future generations to pay for your selfish
unsustainable actions. Do not try and hide behind glib phrases such
as “wishing to ensure the river sustains native fish species”
when it is a lack of action on your part that is helping destroy
the habitats these species depend upon. The science is there and
if you are having trouble understanding the studies then please
allow me to explain the situation to you in simple words. The river
is polluted: Fact not emotion. Farming, and particularly dairying,
is a major contributor to this pollution: Fact not emotive language.
Action is urgently required: Fact not emotion. And the community
both in the Manawatu and throughout New Zealand want action: Fact
not emotive reaction.
Wake up boys. You are becoming a sick joke.
Doug Stevens
UnitedFuture Spokesperson for the environment and outdoor recreation.
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