Rakaia River users to plan attack

Press, 23 November 1981, Page 2

Rakaia River users to plan attack

Rakaia River users will meet on November 30 to work out a joint; attack on ,: irrigation proposals for the river. . : F . '■

The North Canterbury ;Acclimatisation Society has invited about 40 groups to a public meeting on November 30 to co-ordinate objections and submissions on irrigation applications before the North Canterbury Catchment Board. The Central Plains and Lower Rakaia Irrigation Associations have applied for a total of 90 cumecs and South Pacific Salmon, Ltd, wants a mimimum natural flow of 123 cumecs for its salmon farm. The total amount of water involved is more than the average river flow and river users are concerned about the future of the Rakaia and its inhabitants.

The society’s secretary, Mr B. F. Webb, said that groups with common grounds for objections would be able to work together and take advice about formal procedures. .

‘‘Some of the clubs have not got the faintest idea how to object,” he said..

Irrigation proposals were also concerning the Acclimatisation Society, which had already lodged its objections.

“It would devastate the Rakaia,” said Mr Webb. “The water rates are grossly excessive.”

Invited representatives will include anglers, the Canterbury Wild and Scenic Rivers Action Committee, boaters, the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, the Wildlife Service, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.