PLUG is a cross sector organisation formed by concerned farmers, with representation from:
Horticulture
Dairy
Forestry
Drystock
Extractive Industries
Rural Contractors
PLUG was formed in 2016 to provide information and support for worried rural landowners, and the wider community, who will be directly or indirectly affected by the rules proposed by PC1.
PLUG supports the overall intention of PC1 in protecting and enhancing the water quality in the Waikato and Waipa rivers. We however, believe that PC1 must be economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable. In its current form, it is not. We are working alongside like-minded organisations and technical experts to achieve a sustainable outcome for all through the submission process.
PLUG supports the objective to preserve/improve water quality in the Waikato and Waipa rivers.
PC 1 as proposed will not achieve this objective.
The CSG (proposers of the Plan Change) were following an interpretation of the ‘Vision & Strategy’ that is unattainable.
The Vision & Strategy should be considered as an aspirational target only, for without removing the dams or destroying the regional economy, it is unachievable.
PLUG proposes refining the Plan to allow for a sub-catchment management model with an effects-based approach.
Current State of River
The plan change is based around the levels of Nitrogen; Phosphorous; E-coli and Sediment.
Monitoring to date does not support the contention that all these contaminants are at problem levels.
Current monitoring data available from public records show that, in 59 out of 74 sub-catchments, nitrogen levels are better than PC1’s 80 year targets.