WHAT'S WRONG WITH WHAT WE'RE DOING??                                             

 

Q: Is development of the Canterbury Plains adequately informed by science and controlled by regulation?

A: No

 

Q: Do we have a community agreed plan that has considered all water and land-use development possibilities?

A: No

 

Q: Can we ensure intensive farming is managed sustainably under current legislation?

A: No

Q: Are we at risk in locking the region into either economically unsustainable water schemes, or environmentally unsustainable water schemes?

A: Yes

 

Q: Is it possible to irrigate the Plains, while ensuring our rivers, streams and lakes are ecologically healthy and safe for swimming in, and our aquifers remain drinkable?

 

A: Yes, with the right legislation, and the will to do so

Q: Are our present political leadership and the rural sector doing enough to ensure a sustainable future?

 

A: No 

 

Q: Do we need to pause in our rush to develop, until are better informed of the risks and how to manage them, and what the best long term development options are?

 

A: Yes

 

Q: What is the one thing lacking so far that would fix Canterbury’s water problems?

 

A: The political will.