Background
Water is one of our most precious resources. The way in which we use, manage and sustain our water for future generations is of paramount importance in light of environmental, economic and population changes.
The Canterbury Strategic Water Study has to date involved a number of stages providing direction for Canterbury's future water management. Until recently, this work has had a scientific and technical focus, with some stakeholder consultation, which is contained in the Stage 3 report.
By mid-2009 a new stage of the programme will deliver a strategy for managing Canterbury's water for at least the next 20 years, based on as wide a range of community views as possible.
Here is an outline of what has happened so far.
Milestone 3
Milestone 3 of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy Programme involved defining the uses and benefits of water in discussions with a wide range of community organisations and groups.
The Milestone 3 report is included with the Milestone 4 draft consultation document.
Stakeholder and Community Engagement
Making sure the Canterbury Water Management Strategy to be delivered by the programme takes into account the full spectrum of community uses is a priority for the Canterbury Mayoral Forum.
The first step towards achieving this was a series of workshops at 11 Canterbury localities, involving community organisations and groups. In August 2008 Steering Group Chair Bede O'Malley wrote to all participants thanking them for their involvement to date and updating them on next steps in the programme.
Milestone 4
Milestone 4 of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy involved public reporting and consultation on the breadth of uses and benefits and the issues being considered in developing the strategy, plus further feedback from stakeholders.
A series of special topic workshops was held in October/November 2008 where stakeholders with an interest in biodiversity, land use intensification, water quality, tourism, energy and youth focused on water as it relates to their particular area of interest. The letter of invitation, including the dates and times of the workshops and an outline of their format, are attached below.
Consultation Report
Introduction to Consultation Report by Steering Group Chair Bede O'Malley
The Canterbury Water Management Strategy is an opportunity to help set the direction for the future management of water in Canterbury. Read more...