Waikato dairy effluent breaches lead to $108,000 in fines
Two farmers and two farming companies were recently convicted and fined a total of $108,000 for environmental offending.
Council staff in the main pavilion will answer queries about, for example, managing riparian areas, soil erosion, plant and animal pests, shallow lake, wetland and bush restoration projects and water use.
“The stand will show how farmers can get on the front foot with environment-related changes, to enable them to operate under new targets and limits designed to protect water quality,” said council chairperson Paula Southgate.
Southgate, and staff from AgResearch, Federated Farmers and University of Waikato will also be on the stand at times, as will other councillors.
Says Southgate, “We’re a big supporter of economically successful and environmentally sustainable farming. Dairying has been facing tough times of late and it’s important we help the sector.”
She stresses that farmers need to be up to speed on such issues given that farming in the Waikato and Waipa rivers catchments are due to face new targets and limits to protect water quality. A proposed plan change is due to be announced early next year.
“Farmers must… prepare for whatever is introduced,” she says.
www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/frontfoot
