Central Plains Water approval 'stupid decision'

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An interim decision to approve the revamped Central Plains Water scheme is a "sad day" for the Canterbury Plains, an affected landowner says.

Commissioners considering consents for the $135 million project said last Friday they were satisfied the scheme would be sustainable after "substantial" modifications were made.

Madeleine De Jong believes the resulting canal will ruin her homestay business near Darfield and the beauty of plains. "... A really stupid decision has been made ...Only the interests of a few have been taken into consideration."

She was not against irrigation but believed the scheme was unsustainable.

Cindy Mackenzie, of Darfield, said her four-hectare block would be cut in half by the canal. "I've had the (land) under offer and tried to sell it, but I can't because of this. My asset is worth nothing the way it is."

- © Fairfax NZ News