Emphasis on multiple use of Clutha water

Press, 10 February 1983, Page 3

Emphasis on multiple use of Clutha water

Wellington reporter More emphasis will be given to the multiple use of water from works associated with the Clutha River hydro developments. The Government has confirmed that proposed irrigation schemes directly associated with the developments will be given supplementary financial assistance in addition to finance already available under the existing irrigation policy. The Government has also given approval in principle to the Earnscleugh irrigation scheme. This will take grav-ity-fed water from the high dam at Clyde to 1750 ha. Projected levels of horticultural exports made possible by a secure water supply are expected by the Government to guarantee growth and employment in the Clyde-Alexandra region. This would not have been possible without the Clyde high dam, said the Minister of Energy. Mr Birch, and the Minister of Works and Development. Mr Friedlander. Special financial provision will allow- the Ministry of Energy to pay the 30 per cent farmers’ share of the cost of head u-orks on irrigation schemes which are an integral part of the Clutha River development, and which have an acceptable rate of return. The two Ministers expect that RipponVale and schemes associated with the Luggate and Queensbury dams will also benefit.