Taupo farmers may be targeted in plan

Taupo farmers may be encouraged to voluntarily sell their land for enterprises such as forestry as a means of protecting Lake Taupo from excess nutrients.

The suggestion is one of a number made in an Environment Waikato plan aimed at preventing further damage to the lake.

The plan also suggests that residents, farmers, lifestyle block owners and those in Taupo's central business district should be forced to "cap" sewage and runoff.

Environment Waikato unveiled the plan at yesterday's Rotorua Lakes 2003 Symposium.

It follows the Government's commitment to help protect Lake Taupo from the effects of excess nutrients.

Rotorua/Taupo Federated Farmers spokesman Lachlan McKenzie said farmers might be willing to sell in Rotorua if the price was right.

"Willing seller, willing buyer. It is not a problem as long as there is no coercion. It is a personal decision."