SDC 'further financial assistance to CPW' release 113kb pdf
The Malvern Hills Protection Society response to Selwyn District Council Media Release on providing further financial assistance to CPWL
9 October 2009
Today the Society received the shocking news that Selwyn District Council has once again agreed to bail out Central Plains Water by providing financial assistance to help the Company complete the resource consent hearings.
Not only has Selwyn District Council agreed to buy the $494,000 debt that CPW owes to Christchurch City Council but it has also agreed to make a loan of $800,000 to Central Plains Water.
The Society cannot imagine why the Council would contribute a further $1.2m while the viability of the scheme is in doubt. Is this a prudent use of ratepayers funds?
The news of this funding is another ‘slap in the face’ for Waianiwaniwa Valley landowners who have suffered huge financial losses over the past four years while their land has been crippled by the notices of requirement.
The Society finds it galling that SDC can give $1.2m to Central Plains Water yet it wouldn’t agree to providing rates relief for the Valley residents while their land was restricted by the notices of requirement. The rates relief would have been a drop in the bucket compared to what it has cost landowners pursuing hearings and legal action fighting for the right to get their land back.
The scheme has been controversial and the Society would have expected some consultation with the community before committing more ratepayers’ money to this foundering proposal. The Society represents a large section of the community and is disappointed that it was not offered the opportunity to participate in this contentious decision.
Mr Coe says that the scheme has benefits for the community. How many community shareholders will be able to afford the ever rising costs of the scheme?
The Society is having difficulty accepting the Mayor’s comments when major corporate CPW shareholders such as Dairy Holdings and Synlait are lining up to have free access to what should be a public resource - Canterbury's water.
Kelvin Coe believes ratepayers will accept the decision but accepts the money is at risk if the irrigation scheme is not approved
Radio NZ News 11/10/09