Otago Regional Council has decided to introduce an interim consenting process that will give it time to implement a new Land and Water Regional Plan from December 31, 2025, under which longer-term water use consents will be considered.
The proposal is consistent with a directive from Environment Minister David Parker who ordered a review of the council performance because he was not confident it could process hundreds of expiring deemed water permits by the due date of 2021.
Otago Water Users Group spokesman Ken Gillespie said the decision was expected but farmers in his Manuherikia Valley catchment in Central Otago still intend to lodge applications for new water consents but after this decision do not expect to have them granted for the terms being requested.
Gillespie says there is a fear limiting consents to up to seven-years could affect farmers’ options and financial arrangements.
“Seven years is not bankable for sale, for purchasing or for development.”
Parker’s investigation recommends a plan change be notified to provide an interim planning and consenting framework for deemed permits until a new land and water regional plan becomes operative.
Council chairwoman Marian Hobbs says councillors voted for an option that most closely aligns to Parker’s recommendations, is relatively low cost and will give the council time to have its land and water plan operative by late 2025.
