Greater co-operation will result in better community outcomes

A recent senior level meeting between Waimate District Council staff and politicians and Environment Canterbury personnel took place to discuss a number of issues including crop burn offs and illegal rubbish dumping. It also sought to establish how greater co-operation between the two organisations could result in better community outcomes.

The meeting resulted from community members expressing concern around rural crop burn offs and the subsequent smoke hanging over the Waimate District and illegal rubbish dumping.

Mayor Craig Rowley says the meeting was a good opportunity for both organisations to discuss the issues and work out what type of remedial and proactive action both Waimate District Council and Environment Canterbury (ECan) can take.

Mayor Rowley says, “Over the last few weeks we’ve received a number of complaints and enquiries about smoke coming from farm burn offs and we’re aware that illegal rubbish dumping near the coast has also occurred.”

“While smoke from farm burn offs is an ECan issue, it is understandable that people will contact us about these issues and we understand their frustration. During our discussions with ECan we have all agreed that greater co-operation between ourselves will lead to a better outcome for the Waimate community.”

“ECan are located outside our district and, for practical purposes, it may be possible for our staff to assist ECan staff to investigate complaints and enquiries.”

Public reporting of illegally dumped rubbish near rivers or the coast and farm burn offs should be made by contacting ECan’s Pollution Hotline 0800 765 588 (24 hours) unless the burn off is an emergency, in which case they should call 111.