Extra effort made to protect streams and waterways

The Lower Kaituna wetland is an important part of the Bay's ecosystem. Photo/Elaine Fisher

Bay of Plenty Regional Council protected an extra 61.7 kilometres of waterways and 1100 hectares of erosion-prone land in the past year, soaring past their projected targets, according to a new report.

Environmental delivery general manager Warwick Murray said this was achieved by working with landowners.

"Clean water and good soil is essential for a thriving healthy community and economy. Reducing farm related sediment, nutrient and effluent run-off are key parts of our work to care for the region's waterways," Mr Murray said.

The council invested $2.2 million and set a three-year target of 67.5km of stream protection, but surpassed that with a total of 251km.

However they were hindered by landowners who cancelled or deferred the protection work due to tight conditions for their business.

To combat this for future projects, a policy change was approved to make it easier for landowners to complete environmental protection work through incentives of 50 per cent subsides for work at high priority sites.

"The adjustment will align Bay of Plenty subsidies more closely with those offered in other regions," Mr Murray said.

Mr Murray said the council were attempting to improve the water quality throughout the region, in particular the Tauranga, Kaituna, and Rotorua catchments.

"Offering more attractive incentives to landowners will help us address the water quality concerns that locals have told us are a priority for them"

The report showed 207 special forest, estuarine or wetland sites and 97 kilometres of coastal sand dunes were protected.