ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING. Commencing at 1pm. Meeting room 1 Timaru District Council King George Place Timaru

Transcription

1 ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING Commencing at 1pm on Friday 8 June 2012 Meeting room 1 Timaru District Council King George Place Timaru

2 ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE Notice is hereby given that a meeting of the Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone Water Management Committee will be held in Meeting Room 1, Timaru District Council building, King George Place, Timaru, on Friday 8 June 2012, at 1pm. LOCAL AUTHORITIES (MEMBERS INTERESTS) ACT 1968 Committee members are reminded that if you have a pecuniary interest in any item on the agenda, then you must declare this interest and refrain from discussing or voting on this item, and are advised to withdraw from the meeting table.

3 ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE 8 JUNE 2012 AGENDA Time Page 1 1pm Apologies 2 Public Forum 3 Matters Raised in Public Forum 4 Page 1 Confirmation of Minutes 14 May 2012 Meeting pm Land and Water Plan Peter Constantine and Ian Brown, ECan pm Page 6 Orari Flow Plan confirming recommendations Jo Stapleton, ECan pm BREAK pm ZIP Implementation Project Schedule Judith Neilson, ECan pm Page 7 Gravel Strategy Steve Gibling and Shaun McCracken pm Regional Committee Update John O Neill pm Page 27 Update on Regional Committee Biodiversity Flagship Projects 12 Page 34 Exclusion of the Public 13 Page 35 Confirmation of Public Excluded Minutes 14 Page 37 Readmittance of the Public

4 ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE FOR THE MEETING OF 8 JUNE 2012 Report for Agenda Item No 4 Prepared by Joanne Brownie Secretary Confirmation of Minutes Committee Meeting 14 May 2012 Minutes of the 14 May 2012 Committee meeting. Recommendation That the minutes of the Committee meeting held on 14 May 2012, excluding the public excluded item, be confirmed as a true and correct record. 8 June Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone

5 ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES OF THE ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING HELD IN THE OPUHA DAM OFFICES, AROWHENUA ROAD, PLEASANT POINT ON MONDAY 14 MAY 2012 AT 12NOON PRESENT APOLOGY Dermott O Sullivan (Chairman), Tom Lambie (until 1.15pm and from 2.35pm), David Henshaw, Michael Oliver, John O Neill, John Talbot, Ad Sintenie, Tony Howey, Mark Webb (until 5pm) and Evan Williams Mokai Reihana IN ATTENDANCE Barbara Nicholas (OOPs facilitator), Vin Smith (ECan)(until 2pm), Judith Earl-Goulet (ECan)(until 2.15pm), Jo Stapleton (ECan), Denis Jamieson (ECan), Christina Robb (ECan)(until 3.20pm), Philip Lees (ECan) and Judith Neilson (ECan) 1 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES Proposed David Henshaw Seconded Mark Webb That the minutes of the Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone Water Management Committee meeting held on 2 April 2012 be confirmed as a true and correct record. 2 CORRESPONDENCE Proposed John O Neill Seconded John Talbot MOTION CARRIED That the Committee receives and notes the submission sent to ECan on its Long Term Plan and the submission to the Upper Waitaki Zone Committee on its ZIP, together with the reply received regarding the ZIP submission. 3 EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC Proposed Tom Lambie Seconded Evan Williams MOTION CARRIED That the Council resolves to exclude the public on the grounds contained in Section 48(1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act: Pareora Flow Plan Section 7(2)(g) The withholding of the information is necessary to maintain legal professional privilege. MOTION CARRIED 8 June Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone

6 4 READMITTANCE OF THE PUBLIC Proposed Tony Howey Seconded Michael Oliver That the public be readmitted to the meeting. MOTION CARRIED 5 LAND AND WATER REGIONAL PLAN Vin Smith briefed the committee on the Land and Water Regional Plan, advising that it will be formally notified on 10 August The subregional chapters in the plan will not all be fully developed at the time of consultation. A flow chart was tabled on the Regional Rules for Activity Status (existing and new) in regards to the criteria for permitted activities and those that will require consent (triggered by nutrient loads, science around the red zone and the look-up tables). ECan is endeavouring to establish a regime that will move towards best practice. The proposed rule has attracted a lot of feedback from various organisations such as Fonterra, Fish and Game, Irrigation NZ, fertiliser companies etc. The Committee raised a number of questions in regard to the rule How is the science of the red zone determined? Would non-complying activities get consent? Do non point discharges and point discharges match? What is the basis for the 20kg nitrogen/hr? When does the farmer prepare his nutrient budget? What support information is to be provided by ECan and others? What resources will ECan develop to implement the LAWRP? What does the average dairy farm leak now? Would consent be required for vegetable growing? Soil types Winter grazing of cows What gains through upgrading 800 worst performers or making a small improvement in 400? It was agreed that the issues raised be clarified and Peter Constantine report back at a future Committee meeting. Copies of the red zone maps are to be circulated to the committee members. Any further queries to be relayed to Barbara. Tom Lambie retired from the meeting. 6 PUBLIC FORUM The meeting paused briefly for comments/queries from observers in the public gallery. 7 WATER USE IN ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE Judith Earl-Goulet gave a presentation on the water use report, one of several annual reports on resource use. The report is the first that will report on actual use as opposed to allocation and covers the period from 1 July 2012 to 30 June It provides information on water use associated with consented water takes for the region and 10 water zones. 8 June Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone

7 The presentation provided an overview of groundwater and surface water in the zone, outlined the type, duration and quality of the data gathered, and provided an update on water metering. 8 WAITAKI CATCHMENT WATER ALLOCATION REGIONAL PLAN Christina Robb, Programme Manager for the Canterbury Water Management Strategy, gave a presentation on the Waitaki Catchment Water Allocation Regional Plan, briefly covering its history, outlining the objectives and policies in the plan and the environmental flow and allocation rules. Tom Lambie returned to the meeting. The Waitaki Plan will be superseded in 2014/15 when the subregional chapters come into force (although it will be difficult to change existing consents during their lifetime). 9 WATER DEMAND AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN OOP ZONE Denis Jamieson spoke to his reports on water demand and CWMS water infrastructure. The water demand report detailed water demands in the OOP zone covering irrigation, urban/industrial use, environmental issues and the effects of climate change. The infrastructure update covered Hurunui-Waiau, Lees Valley, Managed Aquifer Recharge, Selwyn-Waihora, South Canterbury and the Regional Distribution Model. The results of the Regional Distribution Model will be available in 4-6 weeks and the hydrological analysis of options will be available by the end of June. 10 REGIONAL COMMITTEE UPDATE John O Neill tabled his Regional Committee report. In addition to the topics covered in his report, he raised the issue of conflict between the Orari River Protection Group s submission to the drip opposing all water transfer, and the OOP Committee s emphasis in the ZIP on being a water short zone and making reference to the need to obtain new water. John is concerned at any conflict between the RIP and the ZIP. The Committee agreed that it is a matter of representing the ZIP as per clause 3.2 Secure Water Supply, as the ZIP is the result of a collaborative process involving different points of view. It was agreed that the Chairman reinforce clause 3.2 of the ZIP and note that the OOP submission is open and collaborative. 11 ORARI-WAIHI-TEMUKA FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT STRATEGY Philip Lees addressed the Committee on the Orari-Waihi-Temuka Flood Plain Management Strategy prepared to minimise flood damage on the Orari-Waihi- Temuka flood plain. An Issues and Options document will be produced first, followed by a draft flood management plan for these three rivers. Issues include gravel management, Orari River overflow weir, scheme capacity, coastal erosion, controls on new developments, possible inclusion of the Te Moana and Kakahu rivers, flood warnings, and community awareness/preparedness. 12 ORARI CATCHMENT PLAN The Committee received a brief update from Jo Stapleton on the Orari Environmental Flow and Allocation Regime, outlining progress since the last 8 June Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone

8 meeting, explaining current work and noting that the draft sub-regional chapter will be presented to the OOP Committee on 8 June. 13 IMMEDIATE STEPS The Committee considered a report by Emma Coleman on Immediate Steps funding recommendations. Proposed John Talbot Seconded David Henshaw That the Committee recommends the Old Orari Lagoon Enhancement, Deep Stream, Pit Road Reserve Lizard Sanctuary and Otipua Dune Restoration projects be approved for Immediate Steps funding. MOTION CARRIED 14 IMPLEMENTATION OF ZIP AND FUTURE WORK PLAN Judith Neilson tabled a report on proposed workstreams and a draft project structure for the Orari-Opihi-Pareora zone. The workstreams include benchmarking of water quality across the three rivers (priority is the Orari), engagement with industry groups, government, NGO s and community groups, catchment groups and ongoing advice to Councils. The Committee suggested some minor amendments to the project structure - the addition of Fonterra/Dairy NZ to all three rivers, and the Pareora Steering Group being added to the Pareora zone. 15 NEXT MEETING The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Friday 8 June from 1-6pm at the Timaru District Council. The meeting concluded at 5.20pm. Chairman 8 June Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone

9 ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE- FOR THE MEETING OF 8 JUNE 2012 Report for Agenda Item No 6 Prepared by Barbara Nicholas Joanne Stapleton Orari River Flow Plan The Draft Orari River Environmental Flow and Allocation Regime has been under development since There has been an extensive process of community engagement led since November 2011 by a steering group agreed to by the wider community. Since the last update to the zone committee in May, work has been proceeding to finalise the policies and rules. The Steering group has met twice, Environment Canterbury has met with Arowhenua runanga, there has been a community advisory meeting and a technical meeting. The final draft will be pre-circulated to the committee prior to the meeting, and the committee is requested to endorse that draft for inclusion in the Land and Water Plan to be notified in August Recommendation That the zone committee Expresses appreciation for the work of the Orari steering group in developing a draft Flow Plan with their community Endorses the Orari Flow Plan for inclusion in the Land and Water Plan. 8 June Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone

10 ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE- FOR THE MEETING OF 8 JUNE 2012 Report for Agenda Item No 9 Prepared by Barbara Nicholas Draft Canterbury Regional River Gravel Management Strategy Purpose of Report The draft Canterbury Regional River gravel strategy has been released by Environment Canterbury for public submission. It is here provided to the zone committee, for discussion with Regional Council staff. Background A draft Canterbury Regional River Gravel Management Strategy has been developed after a series of initial discussions with the industry and key interest groups and will be used specifically to inform decisions on resource management matters. The purpose of the Strategy is to sustainably manage gravel extraction from rivers for natural hazard purposes that ensures community safety and well-being and to allow for sustainable economic development without compromising cultural, social and environmental outcomes and values. The Strategy sets out the role of Environment Canterbury in managing gravel extraction from rivers, the outcomes we wish to achieve, and the methods by which it will occur. Environment Canterbury is now seeking submissions on this Strategy from all interested parties. Submissions close at 5pm on 29th June. Staff are keen to meet with the zone committee, and have requested an opportunity to do so at your June meeting. The strategy is provided at this time for your information. Attachment Draft Canterbury Regional River Gravel Management Strategy. Recommendation That the Committee receives the draft Canterbury Regional River Gravel Management Strategy 8 June Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone

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30 ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA ZONE WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE FOR THE MEETING OF 8 JUNE 2012 Report for Agenda Item No 11 Prepared by Frances Schmechel Update of Braided River Flagship (Regional Committee Immediate Steps Progamme) Background The Regional committee approved three flagship programmes across the region at their February 2011 meeting: Te Waihora, Braided Rivers, and Wainono. Below is an update on the Braided River Flagship Programme (BRFS). An implementation strategy for the BRFS has been completed which outlines priorities and criteria for project selection. Copies are available by request and on the Canterbury Water website. The priority actions identified in the strategy (listed below in approximate order of priority for funding) are: 1. Weed control 2. Wetland protection and enhancement 3. Springs and spring-fed tributaries protection and enhancement 4. Native fish habitat and population protection and enhancement 5. Nesting braided river birds breeding success (predator control) 6. Wāhi taonga and mahinga kai sites protection and enhancement (proposed - to be confirmed by Papatipu Rūnanga) 7. Native vegetation protection Current update (no decision required) For year one $50k was committed to weed control in the upper Rangitata and Rakaia catchments. This has been administered by DOC and the control work has been completed (see map below). The work was funded jointly by DOC, LINZ, local runholders via the Upper Rangitata Landcare Group and the Immediate Steps funding (Braided River Regional Flagship). 8 June Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone

31 For years 2-5 approximately $70k/year for weed control will be committed across both catchments. The intention is that the majority will be administered by DOC with priorities guided by the management plans for the catchments and the implementation strategy. This funding will be aimed at control in areas that are not covered by landowners, LINZ, or DOC. In addition to the funding for weed control there is approximately $30k/year across both catchments for other (non weed control related) projects (such as fencing wetlands, etc.) A call for projects was made in March (via the two Landcare Groups and directly to landowners and managers on the north side of the Rakaia). This resulted in six applications and one enquiry for projects involving fencing of wetlands and spring fed streams (total amount requested approximately $80k). Three of the projects are in the Rangitata catchment of which two are wetland fencing projects and one is fencing a spring fed stream system. The other three applications are for projects in the Rakaia catchment and include two wetland fencing projects and one stream projection project. These project applications are now being assessed. Projects will be selected based on the following criteria: Willing landowners/ occupiers 1/3rd or more contribution, strength of collaboration Sustainability of project Sufficient information to target the funding strategically Contribution to the desired outcomes as outlined above Enhancement of wāhi taonga & mahinga kai sites (those with indigenous biodiversity values) Ecological assessment criteria (threat status, representativeness, rarity or distinctiveness, naturalness, connectivity, size and shape, legal protection of the site) 8 June Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone

32 One of the projects, Deep Stream, is being funded by the Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone Committee this year (2012/13). (Application was made to both the zone committee and Regional Flagship, and in late April the zone committee decided to fund the project for this year (2012/13). A weed survey and operational plan is being developed for the upper Rakaia (as no plan existing and much less is known of the weed distributions compared to the Rangitata). A meeting is scheduled with key parties (e.g. DOC, LINZ, landcare group representatives, ECan, BRaid, contractors) in August to confirm the weed control priorities for the 2012/13 season. Example of weed spreading in Rangitata in the upper catchment because it is towards the upstream end of infestation, it is one of the priority areas for control. Example of clear areas, which would be a high priority to be kept clear 8 June Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone

33 Example of area where woody weeds have started establishing in the Upper Rangitata riverbed. Areas further downstream with heavy infestations are lower priority for control in most cases. One of the potential wetlands projects (for fencing) in the upper Rangitata catchment. 8 June Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone

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37 ORARI-OPIHI-PAREORA WATER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE FOR THE MEETING OF 8 JUNE 2012 Report for Agenda Item No 12 Exclusion of the Public Recommendation That the Council resolves to exclude the public on the grounds contained in Section 48(1) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act: Confirmation of Minutes - Pareora Flow Plan Section 7(2)(g) The withholding of the information is necessary to maintain legal professional privilege. 8 June Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone