Govt to repeal act on wild rivers

Press, 18 March 1985, Page 22

Govt to repeal act on wild rivers

PA Wellington The Government plans to repeal the legislation known as the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act — to replace it with a more effective process of protecting the natural characteristics of lakes and rivers. The scenic rivers act, officially the Water and Soil Conservation Amendment Act, 1981, will be replaced by a bill which will consolidate the Government’s water and soil laws. The Minister of Works and Development, Mr Colman, said that the new legislation would provide better water management planning with the integration of conservation and development and strong links with regional planning. Mr Colman said there was widespread agreement on the importance of protecting a wide range of types of rivers and lakes, the desirability of offering protection quickly, and the importance of being able to expand protected areas. While it would be a popu-

lar move to protect a list of rivers and lakes absolutely, many people had rights to water use and some modification was often necessary to protect people and property from flooding, and land from erosion. Because of this, the Government planned a twostage approach, said Mr Colman. A list of water bodies which warranted protection would have restrictions placed on them to stop dams, major discharges, or diversions, and the rights of existing water users would be protected. If a big development was wanted, hearings would be needed so that all relevant information could be put forward. Rivers and lakes not on the list would go through the same sort of hearings to be considered for protection, with provision for a final appeal to the Planning Tribunal. There would also be provision for giving a special reserve status to adjoining river catchments and corri-

dors. Rivers given the status of a special wild and scenic river would automatically be given the same protection as rivers in national parks. The inventory of wild and scenic rivers published recently by the National Water and Soil Conservation Authority would be used as a starting point for identifying rivers that need protection. To obtain public comment, the Government planned to advertise for

submissions to be received on the list until the end of May. A small committee convened by the Ministry of Works and Development would report back to the Government in time for a list of bodies of water to be included in the consolidated water and soil bill Mr Colman also said the Government planned to require regional water boards to work with united councils on over-all strategies for the management of water and soil resources.