Dead in the water

OPINION: One of the boldest infrastructural proposals for Canterbury in recent history now appears to be dead in the water, writes The Press in an editorial.

The commissioners conducting hearings into the Central Plains Water (CPW) scheme have signalled they are unlikely to approve plans for a dam in the Waianiwaniwa Valley, which was the crucial element of the irrigation project.

It remains to be seen whether CPW does proceed with an irrigation scheme without the Waianiwaniwa Valley dam and in what form.

CPW has been given the chance to explain how the project might still work. The commissioners have also suggested that the water takes applied for from the lower Waimakariri and Rakaia rivers might be granted, but not to the full extent that had been sought.

For CPW, this must be a hugely disappointing development but, although this will be no consolation for the scheme's backers, the hearings process has had the positive effect of focusing attention on the realities of water resources and allocation.

Among these realities is the fact that, while Christchurch does have manufacturing and cutting-edge technology industries, the economic backbone of the region remains farming.

Canterbury, which has the largest expanse of flat land in New Zealand, is also the region most dependent on irrigation.

Other realities are that the vast bulk of river water runs out to sea and that there is mounting evidence that Canterbury's aquifers, used by many farmers for irrigation, are under increasing pressure. Although there is considerable debate over the merits of more intensive agriculture, this trend will continue and put even greater strain on water resources.

The attraction of the CPW proposal was that it would allow the heavy spring river flows to be harvested and stored for use during the dry seasons, rather than putting further pressure on those vital aquifers.

If the Waianiwaniwa Valley dam does not proceed, which now seems inevitable, it will be welcome news for the conservationists and Malvern Hills residents who had bitterly opposed the project, not to mention being of great interest to CPW's rivals for water rights.

The opponents were quite within their rights to fight the irrigation scheme, although there was an element of scaremongering at work over the alleged negative health impact of the project.

But the lengthy battle over the CPW proposal is an example, as was Meridian Energy's Project Aqua, of the formidable difficulties and great expense involved in gaining approval for major projects.

The Government, which is committed to streamlining planning processes for infrastructural schemes, might consider calling in the project or find some other means to fast-track it. This should be avoided, and not just because it would invite comparison to the way a former National administration rushed through approval for the controversial Clyde Dam.

It would be preferable if major irrigation schemes such as CPW's were dealt with once Environment Canterbury's water-management strategy is fully completed. This would enable projects to be considered in the context of overall regional water resources and not, as is too often the case now, in a piecemeal fashion.

- © Fairfax NZ News