Ruling ‘setback but not defeat’

Press, 7 October 1987, Page 30

Ruling ‘setback but not defeat’

A Court of Appeal decision to reverse an earlier court ruling on the Rakaia River irrigation scheme was a setback to irrigation in Canterbury, but not a defeat, said the chairman of the Central Plains Irrigation Association, Mr Paul Jarman, of Darfield. The wild and scenic rivers legislation had now been fully tested and found wanting, he said. The decision by the Court of Appeal overturned an earlier High Court ruling and according to conservationists the decision will protect the waters of the upper Rakaia and set tight flow regimes for the lower Rakaia.

Mr Jarman said the decision might require changes to the law to enable the development of Canterbury’s water re-

sources in the future. The decision seemed to place preservation of river conditions ahead of the extractive uses and in so doing cut across a balanced multiple-use concept “This association will continue to promote irrigation as one of Canterbury’s best opportunities for economic growth and employment in the region — things sorely needed at present.” \> ■ He said the association thanked the many individuals and companies for their continued widespread support throughout the long legal process. The association would meet urgently to discuss the decision. The association was responsible for an area between the Waimakariri and Rakaia Rivers.