We currently operate a stockwater network made up of around 1,600km of channels and related infrastructure to provide water for livestock. About 1,000 properties pay specific rates for the service, and all ratepayers contribute a small amount. These channels are mostly manmade, but some are natural waterways or fed by springs under the Canterbury Plains.
The service is mostly used to provide water for animals, but there are also other benefits such as supporting biodiversity, providing food sources (mahika kai), land drainage, and contributing to community amenities (e.g. supplying water to the Ashburton Domain ponds).
Over the past two decades, some races have been closed, reducing the network from around 4,000km to its current size. Closure requests are regularly received, and we believe that it’s because landowners either don’t use the service or have switched to a different, more efficient service, like piped irrigation.
Stay and invest
We would continue to provide the service, based on the current operation. However, investment would be required to upgrade our ageing assets so that the system remains viable in the future. We would introduce a fairer way to pay for this service, including the community contributing more through the general rate than what is currently charged. Under this option, closures would only be user-driven.Maintain with a closure programme over time
We would continue to provide the service, based on the current operation. However, investment would be minimal, and assets that fail would not be replaced. Fish screens would be considered, where they were necessary. We would introduce a fairer way of funding this service, including a small community contribution through the general rate.
Exit the stockwater service by 30 June 2027
We would stop providing stockwater, but we’d still look after specific races that cannot be closed (e.g. due to natural watercourses or ecological benefits). We would develop an active closure programme with targets. The timeframe allows current users of the stockwater to arrange alternative plans. We would introduce a fairer way of funding until we have exited this service. From 1 July 2027, the general rate would likely cover the remaining system.
| What will it cost? | Advantages & Disadvantages |
| As part of this option, we would need to install fish screens on key locations as required under the Canterbury Regional Land and Water Plan. This would be a significant expense for Council. Capital: Unknown Operating: $1.28-$1.32 million annually + inflation Debt: Unknown, depending on capital expenditure needed Rates: It varies for individual properties that pay for the service. There is a proposal to increase the minimum charge to $700 in this LTP. All ratepayers contribute a small portion through the General rate. | Advantages
Disadvantages
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| What will it cost? | Advantages & Disadvantages |
| Investment would be minimal, and assets that fail would not be replaced. Fish screens would be considered, where they were necessary. Capital: Unknown Operating: $1.28-$1.32 million annually + inflation Debt: Unknown, depending on capital expenditure needed Rates: It varies for individual properties that pay for the service. There is a proposal to increase the minimum charge to $700 in this LTP. All ratepayers contribute a small portion through the General rate. | Advantages
Disadvantages
|
| What will it cost? | Advantages & Disadvantages |
| Investment would be minimal and assets that fail would not be replaced. We would not actively build fish screens. Capital: Unknown Operating: $1.45-$1.48 million until Year 3 + inflation. Additional cost of $175,000 annually is to pay for the work needed to exit the service. Debt: $0 Rates: It varies for individual properties that pay for the service. There is a proposal to increase the minimum charge to $700 in this LTP. Under this option, all ratepayers would contribute a bit more through the General rate to fund work needed to exit the service. | Advantages
Disadvantages
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Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:
| Phone | 03-307 7700 |
|---|---|
| info@adc.govt.nz | |
| Website | www.ashburtondc.govt.nz |
| In writing | 2 Baring Square East, Ashburton 7700 |
