Freshwater farm plan meetings
The first of a series of public information meetings about the new Freshwater Farm Plans is being held next Thursday 25 January.
The session, at Okaramio Hall, is for landowners in the Are Are Creek area and runs from 3pm to 6pm. It includes a presentation by Council staff, a barbecue and question-and-answer session.
“The idea is for people to meet over a cuppa,” Council’s Regional Catchment Facilitator Nic Dann said. “The presentations will look at the content and process of starting a Freshwater Farm Plan and give farmers an idea of what’s ahead.”
Introduced as part of the Government’s Essential Freshwater package, Freshwater Farm Plans are aimed at identifying risks to freshwater from farm activities and look at what farmers can do to manage and mitigate those risks.
Anyone with 20 hectares or more in arable or pastoral use, five hectares or more in horticulture (including viticulture) or 20 hectares or more of combined use will need a Freshwater Farm Plan Nic said.
“The aim of these sessions is to share information and let farmers and growers know Council wants to support them as they work their way through this new legislation,” she said. “After the presentation we will have a barbecue which will give people time to develop their questions before the final Q+A session.”
Many resources have already been developed by Council to provide information and help those who want to prepare their own plans.
“Our goal is to support our rural landowners through support, resources and updated information,” Nic said.
Other community meetings are planned and will be advertised. For more information go to www.marlborough.govt.nz/environment/freshwater-farm-plans