Many Horizons Regional Council farmer ratepayers might feel its proposed One Plan has them directly in its sights.

Not so, says council chief executive Michael McCartney who claims many of the fears surrounding One Plan are unnecessary and premature.

His comments were prompted by Rural News’ coverage of the mounting farmer concern around the country about the plan setting a nationwide precedent.

“One Plan is far from a done deal. Ideas are still being debated, including the consent to farm concept.”

The commissioners who will make the final decision on One Plan are still interviewing “council staff, consultants, farmers, industry and environmental groups” as well as reviewing the science.

“These decision makers... include a former Environment Court judge, one of New Zealand’s leading environmental policy consultants, as well as elected members from our rural and urban constituencies.”

McCartney says the commissioners have five questions to ask themselves.

“First, can our rivers sustain the current pressure from users?

“Secondly, if they can’t who and what needs to change?

“Thirdly, what is the best way to achieve change?

“Fourthly, what are the implications of the decision they make?

“Finally, what will their decisions mean for future generations?”

McCartney says he recognises the importance of farming to the region “and that’s why 60 cents in every rate dollar we collect goes into helping the rural sector manage environmental impacts of their business”.

“The message I hear is that Horizons needs to use non regulatory methods.”

He says across New Zealand regional councils spend about $250 million on environmental management.

“Only about $80million of that is spent on regulatory matters. The other key point is that our rural sector gets the lion’s share of that spend through soil conservation, fencing, forestry advice and information.”