Thursday, 05 September 2024 10:18

'Putting common sense back in the room'

Written by Sudesh Kissun

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ACT MP Mark Cameron

ACT MP Mark Cameron says the Government is bringing common sense “back in the room” by halting the rollout of freshwater farm plans.

He told Rural News that the Government has listened to the constituents whereas the previous Government hadn’t.

The Government says it will pause the rollout of freshwater farm plans until system improvements are finalised.

Several regions have already started implementing freshwater farm plans in specific areas, including Waikato, Southland, the West Coast, Otago, and Manawatū-Whanganui, based on legislation passed by the previous Government.

Farmers have complained that the current system is too costly and not fit-for-purpose. The laws remain in place and council are required by law to seek freshwater farm plans from farmers.

The new Government intends to make minor amendments to the Resource Management Act (RMA) to enable the pause. Once these amendments are made, farmers will not be required to submit a freshwater farm plan for certification while changes to the freshwater farm plan system are underway.

Cameron says the council now have more certainty around the new Government’s intentions on freshwater management.

“We are steering the council to cease and desist, and they now have clarity that laws will change,” says Cameron.

“Until the laws change, the council are legally required to pursue freshwater farm plans however, the councils now know that we are changing the laws. We are putting common sense back in the room.”

Meanwhile Cameron, who is also chair of the primary production select committee and ACT MP Laura Trask are in Canterbury for public meetings.

They will be in Ashburton to hear from rural communities struggling with rules under the RMA Act, Freshwater Farm Plans, and Te Mana o te Wai.

“We will hear farmers’ experiences and concerns and take their insights to Wellington as the Government amends and replaces the RMA,” says Cameron.

The meeting at Ashburton Hotel starts at 6pm tomorrow, Friday September 6.

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