Local Government New Zealand acknowledges the latest set of changes to the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management announced today as a significant step forward for providing better water management.
Under the amended National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management regional and unitary councils are required to set their contribution to meet the national targets for improving water quality, specifically swimmability. Councils have until 31 March 2018 to set preliminary regional targets, and until the end of 2018 to finalise their contribution.
LGNZ Regional Sector Chairman Doug Leeder says regional and unitary councils share the commitment to improve water quality and are already working hard on this.
“The science-based approach outlined in the amended NPS provides greater clarity on what is being required,” Mr Leeder says.
“Regional and unitary councils have been and will continue to do water quality work in New Zealand, and the new NPS provides an approach we can work with.”
Mr Leeder also welcomed the Freshwater Improvement Fund announced yesterday.
“The contributions to specific water quality projects will make a meaningful difference and we look forward to the next set of announcements.”
LGNZ Vice President Stuart Crosby says water quality is an issue for everybody.
“Local government is focused on making sure our waterways, both urban and rural, are up to scratch. We look forward to continuing to work constructively with the Government to make sure councils have the resources to do this.”