Waimea Dam: Our Submission To Funding and Governance Consultation

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 Speed Limits Review Results

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."

Waimea Dam: Do we really need 30% for Environmental Flow?

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:

  • undertake a study for ratepayer support for the project - thus determine affordability - and finally adjust he dam's design accordingly
  • reduce the design flow for 'environmental capacity' which would substantially reduce the cost of the dam
  • improve the management of water rights for future and potentially existing users

Read more: Waimea Dam: Do we really need 30% for Environmental Flow?

Take Our Water Supply Survey!

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!

Waimea Dam - Economic Reports From TDC

For those who want more details on the proposed Waimea Dam there are now new reports available through TDC.

The Waimea Dam Economic Assessment report by commissioned by the regional Economic Development Agency is available from the EDA website.

Mayor Kempthorne says: "This report provides the economic rationale and benefits available through its construction."

"The Council acknowledges the report focuses on the economic future of the area and is primarily focused on the horticulture sector as one would expect of a report commissioned by the EDA. However, the link between a sustainable economy and social and community needs is very clear."

"What this report does not cover is the issue of affordability for Tasman ratepayers. Significant external contributions by Central Government and our local government partners are critical to providing an affordable financial model for constructing the dam."

Full news item at TDC website.

Also now available: commissioned from NZIER the report ‘How to pay for a dam’ investigates the public and private benefits derived from the dam and the options the Council has to finance it as a result.

This report is available here.