Rakaia scheme under study

Press, 11 April 1979, Page 13

Rakaia scheme under study

Wellington reporter

Several different agencies are now working towards identifying issues over the proposed big irrigation scheme development round the lower Rakaia River.

The implications this development might have for other interests and future activities in the. area and the central Canterbury Plains region are also being investigated.

These, include studies on groundwater and surface water resources; balancing the demands against the supplies; the effect of the withdrawal of water for irrigation on river flows; and the needs of fishermen, recreation potential, and future prospects for and needs for hydroelectric power generation.

A preliminary technical seminar will be held in Christchurch soon to dis-

cuss the whole subject and to put early information before those involved directly and other interested groups.

Regular meetings will continue to be held, with another seminar planned before the legal notice before the farmer vote is given in 1980.

At a seminar in Christchurch, scientists of the Ministry of Works brought farmers up. to date on a water resources study of the lower Rakaia River. The Ministry’s district water and soil officer (Mr H. S. Morriss) said that a full report on the future use of water for irrigation in the lower Rakaia should be complete in November. It would include data collected over the last 50 years and present research on surface and underground water resources in the district.