Lindsay Burnell: Managing land, water imperative for region

Lindsay Burnell.

I would like to thank the people of Horowhenua and Kairanga for re-electing me for another term on Horizons Regional Council.

We are well under way with a great number of core activities.

Sustainably managing our land and water is imperative. Water quality is a huge priority for Horizons and we are continuing to work with farming, horticulture, and district and city councils to make significant improvements in our waterways.

The Manawatu River Leaders' Accord is just one great example of where your water quality rate component directly contributes to mitigating water pollution.

The Accord recently celebrated work achieved under a $5.2 million Fresh Start for Fresh Water Clean-Up Fund, which contributed to more than 66,420 native plants planted alongside waterways to assist with nutrient management and 208,000 metres of stream fencing to keep stock out.

Lake Horowhenua is an ongoing challenge. The Lake Trustees, Horizons and partners will continue to push for the improvement of water quality and enhancement of the lake as set out in the He Hokioi Rerenga Tahi Horowhenua Lake Accord. The Government has backed this with funding and support.

Horizons is the recipient of a 2016 Morgan Foundation River Award for the Makuri River.

This Most Improved River Award recognises long-term trend improvements in macro invertebrate communities (aquatic insects), indicating a healthier river and improving water quality.

Horizons' Sustainable Land Use Initiative (SLUI) is probably New Zealand's largest hill country erosion management initiative. It includes poplar and willow planting, afforestation, retiring land from stock use, and fencing off waterways to help with nutrient management throughout our Region.

More than 640 Whole Farm Plans have been created, almost 13 million trees planted, and 570,000 metres of waterways fenced off.

Landcare Research predict that if SLUI stopped today the Region has already banked a 12 per cent improvement in sediment loads in its rivers by 2043, up to a 30 per cent improvement overall if we keep going, and up to 60 per cent in some catchment areas.

Horizons is also working to improve water quality under the One Plan, rules for natural and physical resource in the Region.

These activities, as well as dairy farmers fencing of streams and rivers, are contributing to reducing annual sediment and nutrient loads in our rivers.

- Lindsay Burnell is a Horizons Regional Councillor.