Progress will continue on the draft Land and Freshwater Plan Change to amend water and discharge rules in the Tasman Resource Management Plan.
This decision aims to address priority freshwater issues in the region, particularly those related to Te Waikoropupū Springs and the Wharepapa Arthur Marble Aquifer Water Conservation Order, which is also supported by the online release of the initial Tākaka Freshwater Action Plan.
Recent Central Government changes will delay notification of the plan change, but allow for continued development of the draft, including incorporating feedback from the community, iwi, and stakeholders. However, releasing this for public feedback in 2025 will depend on clarity from Central Government on the amended National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management and other freshwater related legislation changes.
Early in the new year, we will reassess the plan change process to decide the most efficient path for public release and notification.
Read more about this on Shape Tasman(external link).
Tākaka Freshwater Action Plan
The Action Plan aims to identify and implement strategies to reduce nitrate levels in the Main Spring to 0.41mg/L by 2038, a target set by the Water Conservation Order. This would restore the springs to their pre-2017 water quality. The plan will also involve collaboration with mana whenua iwi, other agencies, and local landowners.
Local Water Done Well(external link) deals with our water infrastructure while the rules in the draft Land and Freshwater Plan are about how we protect and share our freshwater resources.