Problems expected with new law

Press, 16 November 1981, Page 15

Problems expected with new law

PA Wellington A last-minute insertion into the Water and Soil Conservation Amendment Act could cause problems with its implementation when it comes into effect next April, says the Water Resources Council.

• At the bill’s third reading the Acclimatisation Society forcefully and successfully urged the inclusion of a description of the basic philosophy of the legislation. It read: “The object of this act is to recognise and sustain the amenity afforded by waters in their natural state.” The Director of Water and Soil Conservation, Mr A. W. Gibson, told council members that the bill contained a

number of emotive conotations from which a variety of reactions could be expected from regional catchment authorities. He said that while some authorities would see all the implications and had the resources to respond adequately, those wi|h lesser resources could have problems.

“It seems it will be a difficult piece of legislation to administer and I think the credibility of water management will be at stake,” he said.

Council members suggested that real problems could occur when it came to renewing water rights or granting applications for discharges.