Lake Horowhenua
Last week I was thrilled to speak at the announcement of a new $1.27 million project to clean up Lake Horowhenua.
This announcement was made by Environment Minister Hon Amy Adams, who confirmed the Government is investing $540,000 towards the project.
This is great news for our region as the lake begins to be restored for future generations to enjoy. It is great to see the regional leaders teaming up with the Government to work in partnership.
Other contributors include Horizons Regional Council, Dairy NZ and local growers.
The project will improve the water quality through sediment and nutrient management of the lake and its tributaries that will benefit aquatic life and have many recreational benefits. A new boat wash facility in Levin will help reduce the risk of weed transfer and new storm water treatment systems are planned to reduce sediment inflows from Levin.
Lake Horowhenua has huge potential to be a major asset and draw card for our community.
This announcement follows on from last August’s historic signing of the Lake Horowhenua Accord.
Attending that event, I was able to see the willingness of all parties involved to achieve results. These groups include the Lake Trustees, Horowhenua District Council, Horizons Regional Council and the Department of Conservation.
It is great to see all of these groups hard work come together which has enabled the Government to support this partnership. This is an historic announcement. It’s not about decades of the blame-game but moving forward together.
This follows on from Government supporting the Manawatu River Accord where $5.2 million has been committed to help improve the overall river water quality. These two projects show the National Governments commitment to improving our water quality and environment for future generations to enjoy.