Greens, farmers meet to discuss water storage

It was a meeting of minds at Opuha Dam yesterday when Green Party co-leader Russel Norman discussed the water storage project with Federated Farmers.

Mr Norman talked with representatives on the economic and environmental benefits that water storage can offer New Zealand.

It was a full and frank conversation between two sides who are often at opposite ends of the political table.

Federated Farmers South Canterbury president David Williams outlined the dam's history and the ongoing benefits South Canterbury was receiving.

"We wanted Mr Norman to come and see first hand what has been done," Mr Williams said.

Mr Norman expressed his concern about the pressures on water supplies in South Canterbury and the effect on the life cycle and distribution of native fish and plant species.

"There is no natural voice for native fish and eel.

"I've been campaigning about rivers and we've crossed swords a number of times but if we can find common ground, it's good," Mr Norman said. "From the Greens' perspective it's about ecology and these are special ecological systems.

"You have a whole series of things to consider here, including fish, birds and recreational needs."

Both groups agreed sustainability was a shared concern, even if it meant different things to different people.

Federated Farmers South Canterbury vice-president William Rolleston said the Green Party had expressed a preference for on-site farm water storage.

"We can achieve a lot of the goals which farmers want from an environmental point of view," he said.

Mr Norman agreed water storage was a good option in the face of things to come.

"Access to fresh water is going to become valuable," he said.

"We've got better knowledge about surface water than ground water."

However, he did express concern about the effect of nitrogen run-off on the lake and the impact of farming intensification.

Completed in 1998, Lake Opuha was man-made with the purpose of acting as an irrigation reservoir. The project cost an estimated $30 million and was a combined investment between power companies, farmers and business. In addition to irrigation, Lake Opuha provides electricity with a small-scale hydro 7.5 megawatt electric plant on the outlet of the dam.

The lake is also used for water recreation including fishing, boating and water skiing.

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