| “Chapter
13 [deleted from the official State of the Environment Report released
by MfE at the end of January] has highlighted and confirmed that
intensive agriculture and the associated deterioration of lowland
water quality is the number one issue facing New Zealand’s
environment,” said Fish & Game Chief Executive Bryce Johnson.
“We all know that the quality of our lowland
waterways continues to deteriorate. We all know intensive agriculture
is the primary cause in rural areas. We all know Canterbury is facing
an additional 100,000-plus hectares of irrigated land for intensive
agriculture, probably dairying. We all know there’s a large
mismatch between land capability and land use. We have evidence
of water quality improvement when action is taken; and we all know
how to achieve environmentally sustainable agriculture.”
“The fact is industry is fumbling around
the edges of the real issue. Government must step in with the regulations
the Minister has acknowledged are needed, must facilitate collaborative
agreement and action involving agricultural and environmental interests
jointly, and must initiate a pause on large scale water developments
until the promised national policies and environmental standards
are in place and operative.”
“We’ve had enough talk, excuses and
sideshows. Let’s see some action and get on with it.”
|
