Ah, David!

"In response to David Rose's "Grassroots" column in last week's issue, I'm disappointed that a senior representative of Federated Farmers continues to backpedal on efforts to improve water quality in Southland. The scientific reports that underpinned the State of the Environment Report and the project to improve the water quality in the Waituna Lagoon were reviewed by independent scientists from NIWA, Otago University, DairyNZ, Opus, DOC, Fish and Game, among others. Data from monitoring in the Waituna Creek shows nitrogen levels at that site have increased over the last 10 years. David has stated that Federated Farmers' own reviewer, Tom Heller, found "shonky" flow adjustments that "corrupted the data", but those words aren't in his report. Mr Heller actually concluded that, aside from a couple of gaps, Environment Southland's: "water quality and environmental monitoring programme to date appears to be wholly suitable." Next month our Council will consider introducing a rule requiring new conversions to dairying to obtain a consent, so we can be sure new dairy farms will have minimal environmental impact. Applicants will need a farm plan that shows appropriate provision is made for nutrient budgeting, drainage and effluent disposal. David refers to the Federated Farmers delegation which spoke to our Councillors in December. The record shows that his fellow representative Doug Fraser said that the new dairy conversion provisions could have a positive outcome if "practical farmers" were involved with developing the new rule, alongside Environment Southland staff. This being so, it's hard to understand why the Federated Farmers elected farmers last week walked away from the working group that is framing up the new requirements. I'm often contacted by farmers wanting to discuss environmental issues. Many of them show more understanding of water quality problems than their representatives on Federated Farmers.

Ali Timms 

Chairman 

Environment Southland"

Ouch!

Feel those petals wilt, Mr Rose!