Tougher measures needed to stop pollution from dairying

The Government needs to act through stronger rules and regulations to stop the pollution of our waterways from dairy discharges, Labour’s Environment spokesperson Grant Robertson says.

“A report out today which shows dairying is still taking its toll on the environment is nothing to be proud of.

“It is not good enough for the sector to say it will lift its game. We’ve heard that too many times before,” Grant Robertson said.

“It is sad to say, but the voluntary programmes are clearly not doing enough.  The multi stakeholder Land and Water Forum has made it clear that there need to be national standards on water. The Government needs to implement these and make the rules absolutely clear. 

“I am pleased Federated Farmers has stepped up and acknowledged the effect that some farmers and their herds are having on water quality.  We all know that most farmers behave responsibly, but the truth is that there is still too much pollution, especially as dairying has intensified.

“Previously the National Government has mucked around with the recommendations of the Land and Water Forum on water quality.  They cannot afford to do that again.  We need enforceable rules and standards that protect our waterways. It’s as simple as that,”  Grant Robertson said.