Two irrigation plans approved

Press, 2 July 1986, Page 45

Two irrigation plans approved

By

OLIVER RIDDELL

in Wellington Only two irrigation schemes have been approved by the Government since it took office nearly two years ago — the Levels Plain scheme in South Canterbury, and the Pukerimu scheme in Waikato. The Minister of Works and Development, Mr Colman, said he expected that a decision on approval in principle of the long - deferred Eamscleugh irrigation scheme in Central Otago would be made in July.. Two other schemes were awaiting final approval, having already had approval in principal. i They were the Bannockizburn scheme Otago, and the Gienbrook

scheme in South Auckland.

The submission seeking approval in principle for the Eamscleugh scheme had gone to the Minister of Finance, Mr Douglas, for a Treasury report on February 7,1986, he said. Fourteen schemes were being investigated: Maungatapere, Eamscleugh, Glenbrook, Omaha, Westmere, Barrhill, Martinborough, Tara, Ruatanlwha, Te Arai, Bell Block Brixton, Redwoods, Luggate, and Queensberry. Another 13 old Otago schemes were being investigated for refurbishment: Hawkdun, Ida Valley, Omakau, Teviot, Last Chance, Galloway, Ardgour, Pisa, Tarras, Arrow, IJJpponvale and Manuherikia.