In his own submission to the current Waimea Dam consultation, local resident John Clifton presents his thoughts on what he thinks unfair and inequitable distribution of cost versus benefit in the current funding models.
His point is that by far the largest share of water is used by a relatively small number of commercial irrigators. As an alternative he suggests the introduction of a volume-related pricing structure for irrigation water which would:
Read John's full submission here.
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MHRA has issued a submission to the current consultation phase of the proposed Waimea Dam project.
We have focused on our objective to act as channel of communication between the community and TDC and have compiled feedback and concerns about the current proposal which we will present to council. In this submission we have used data from the initial results of our currently running survey on water supply.
"The MHRA submits that there are significant concerns among residents of the Moutere Hills area
about either funding model and the projected rates increase implied thereby, as well as about the
overall affordability of the dam and what is seen as uneven distribution of benefit. [...]
We submit that Council further investigate the level of popular support for the dam project, the
ability of the population to afford rates increases, and review the proposed funding models
accordingly in order to achieve a proposal with no or significantly reduced general rates impact. [...]"
Read the full submission here.
TDC has now notified us of the results of this year's speed limit consultation process.
With regards to the roads that we submitted on recently, the changes that council has decided on are exactly as were proposed by TDC in August (prior to the hearings). Specifically, three stages of speed limit reduction on Old Coach Road and two stages of speed limits on School Road, Mahana. See here for the original list. No notes on Neudorf Road or the Moutere Highway.
We find that apparently our suggestions for streamlining the speed limit reduction on especially on Old Coach Road have not influenced the decision making.
TDC does note, however, that "the Panel have requested that Council staff work with the Moutere Hills Community Centre Committee to improve the entrance to the Centre in terms of safety."
More thoughts on the Waimea Dam funding: extracts from a submission to Tasman District Council by Dr. Christopher R. Bennett, who has spent some time delving into the economic reports on the dam funding proposals. Chris says:
From the material I have reviewed it appears that the proposed funding model for the Lee Valley Dam is predicated on a several key decisions which result in a larger, more expensive dam than is required. These decisions have been made on what seem to be sound technical and environmental advice, but have been made in isolation from: (i) the ability and willingness to pay by those expected to fund the dam; and, (ii) the economic and social benefits arising from the decisions.
Chris is suggesting that TDC should:
Read more: Waimea Dam: Do we really need 30% for Environmental Flow?
The Moutere Hills Residents Association is polling its members and the community to produce a submission to the first consultation phase of the proposed Waimea Dam - and to find out which alternatives for improving water supply to the area best match the needs and interests of local residents.
This online survey only takes about two minutes to complete and all residents of the Moutere catchment should have their say. We need your feedback - this is how you can influence the future of the district!