ANOTHER LOOK AT RUN PLANS

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31316, 11 March 1967, Page 10

ANOTHER LOOK AT RUN PLANS

A committee of the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council, officers of the Lands and Survey Department and members of the High Country Committee of Federated Farmers have conferred about run conservation plans. This follows criticism of the plans expressed at the last annual general meeting of the High Country Committee of Federated Farmers.

“Run conservation plans are designed to help runholders to restrict erosion and employ sound conservation practices on their holdings consistent with the need to maintain and improve production,” says the latest pastoral lands newsletter of the Lands and Survey Department “At the request of runholders, they are prepared by catchment board soil conservators in conjunction with the runholder and pastoral lands officers and incorporate appropriate conservation measures having regard to the economics of the run and the subsidies available. Subsidies are granted by the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council on the recommendation of the local catchment board. A number of run plans have been prepared and runholders granted subsidies on the basis of these plans.

“At the last annual general meeting of the High Country Committee of Federated Farmers some concern and criticism was expressed about the effects of run conservation plans. In the main this was directed at the financial and economic implications of the plans, and their effect on run management of the truly back or gorge country. Meeting ‘Tollowing this meeting a committee from the Soil Conservation and River Control Council, together with the fields director and chief pastoral lands officer of the Department of Lands and Survey, met representatives of the High Country Committee and discussed these problems and criticisms. During the discussions a number of proposals were put forward as possible solutions and these included: lii Stages “Less comprehensive planning for the initial period and the development of a full plan in stages. “More consultation than at present between the soil conservator and the runholder in the preparation of the plans and consideration of the financial and stocking proposals under the plan. “Discussions with pastoral lands officers and farm management consultants on the

practical and financial feasibility of the plan. “Use of alternatives to fencing for the isolation of areas to be retired from grazing. Subsidy Rates "A more liberal approach to subsidy rates in cases where the financial benefit to a runholder is marginal. “At the same time members of the High Country Committee were appreciative of the benefits of run plans on the lower hill country. “Subsequently the question of run plans was discussed by the Soil Conservation and Rivers Control Council when there was a general agreement that the success of a run plan depends on four main factors.

“The personal ability of the runholder to carry out the set programme.

“His ability to handle the financial aspects. “The practicability of the plan as it affects the working of the run.

“The economics of the entire proposal. “As a result of these discussions the Soil Council is reviewing its policy on run plans and for this purpose has set up a committee comprising representatives of the Departments of Agriculture and Lands and Survey, and the council’s soil conservators to examine these aspects. When this committee has completed its review it will report back to the council.”