New Irrigation Policy

Press, Volume C, Issue 29520, 23 May 1961, Page 14

New Irrigation Policy

Further developments in the Upper Waitaki irrigation scheme—which was

approved in principle by the Minister of Works (Mr Goosman) last week—will be followed with keen interest in all areas where there is potentially’ irrigable land. The Upper Writaki scheme may be the spearhead of a new effort to expand irrigation in New Zealand—which for pra-ti-cal purposes means the South Island. Though approved in principle for very many years, irrigation has lagged in practice. In the last session of the previous Parliament legislation was passed which fundamentally changed Government policy towards irrigation. This legislation was based on the recommendations of a Select Committee of the House, comprising members from both sides, which had examined irrigation policy in the field for two irrigation seasons, and had listened to a mass of evidence and representations on the subject. The committee came to the conclusion that certain obstacles would have to be removed if desirable irrigation projects were to be put in hand. Previously, irrigation districts were set up only on the initiative of the local people; the legislation provided that districts could be determined by the Minister of Works. A major change was made in the

voting method by which the consent of ratepayers; in a proposed irrigation! district was given to thej construction of water supply I works. Previously, a scheme required the consent ofj landowners representing 75 per cent, of the acreage. The power of large land-! owmers to veto schemes has been curtailed by the new legislation; a favourable; vote by 60 per cent, of the ratepayers, on the one-man-i one-vote principle, is nowj sufficient. The legislation! also laid down the principle that once an irrigation district has been established (with the consent of at least 60 per cent, of the ratepayers) all landowners; within the district become liable to a charge which entitles them to receive water. Landowners will, in effect, pay an availability rate. The implications ofj the new policy are clear; and important. It will I hasten—or at least assist— • the establishment of irriga-l tion districts; and it will j exert a certain measure of! compulsion once a district; has been established. It; may, indeed, remove the “ road block ” that has hindered the development of irrigation in a country which should certainly be able to use it to greater advantage than it has done so far. Consequently, the application of the policy in; the first instance in the i Upper Waitaki will be followed with keen interest.