A rethink for CPW irrigation proposal

Farmers who would have benefited from a big water storage lake as part of the Central Plains Water irrigation scheme may have to rethink their futures now that commissioners have indicated they are likely to decline consents for a dam and lake reports the Straight Furrow. In a surprise move the Environment Canterbury-appointed commissioners have told Central Plains Water (CPW) they are likely to decline consent for the dam in the Canterbury foothills, but will give CPW opportunity to present further submissions on whether the remainder of the scheme is viable. CPW's $400 million scheme planned to take water from the Waimakariri and Rakaia Rivers to irrigate 60,000ha of the central Canterbury Plains. A key part of the plan was a water storage reservoir behind a 55m dam across the Waianiwaniwa Valley near the township of Coalgate. It would have been the largest private construction project in Canterbury. The commissioners have not indicated why they plan to reject consents for the dam and reservoir, but opposition from Coalgate residents, farmers who would lose land under the reservoir, and recreation and conservation groups has been strong. However, the commissioners said that the water takes from the Waimakariri and Rakaia Rivers could probably be granted, but at lesser rates and volumes than applied for. The commissioners said CPW had responded by asking for the hearing to remain open and that further information be sought from CPW on the implications of the decision.