New Zealand Fish & Game’s decision to withdraw an application for a conservation order is being welcomed by irrigation lobby groups.

The application was made initially under the old Environment Canterbury authority, and when that changed earlier this year, so did the Water Conservation Order (WCO) process.

North Canterbury Fish & Game Manager Ross Millichamp says the decision was made after the amended National Resources Regional Plan (NRRP) outlined measures to protect waterways in a similar fashion.

“Effectively with that outcome achieved in the NRRP we didn’t see much point in continuing with a Conservation Order.

“It would really have been a WCO in name only, anyway, we wouldn’t have got any more achieved than we’ve got through the regional plan.”

Irrigation New Zealand CEO Graeme Sutton is welcoming the announcement, saying it makes financial sense for all parties involved.

“I suspect they would have thought about the cost of going through a conservation order, and whether they were going to get it in any case.

“It’s my view, that with the conditions as they are now, the minister would have been very reluctant to put one on it.”

And Ross Millichamp believes it’s time for all stakeholders to start working together with the NRRP to provide landowners with a viable strategy.

“The writing is on the wall for large in-stream dams, saying you’ll have to start looking for alternative ways to get water to farmers without threatening fishing or biodiversity.

“I don’t think any conservation groups are opposed to increasing irrigation in the valley, we’re just saying mainstream dams are a pretty cheap and nasty solution, and there are other options to look at.”

A Hurunui Water Project appeal against the Regional Resources Plan is currently before the courts.