Limiting interim consents replacing 100-year-old mining water rights to just seven years will stifle development of agribusiness in the region and have "significant repercussions" for the economy, Otago regional councillor Michael Laws says. Almost 60 deemed permit applications have already been given consents and 80% of those are for periods of 25-35 years," Cr Laws said in a statement. Cr Hobbs voted against holding the vote in public, but during the debate said she would vote for the blanket rule "almost regrettably". Cr Hobbs at the meeting questioned the ongoing viability of 35-year consents altogether, given the uncertainty about the impact of climate change. Water consent voteFor: Cr Michael Deaker, Cr Alexa Forbes, Cr Marian Hobbs, Cr Gretchen Robertson, Cr Bryan ScottCr Michael Deaker, Cr Alexa Forbes, Cr Marian Hobbs, Cr Gretchen Robertson, Cr Bryan Scott Against: Cr Hilary Calvert, Cr Carmen Hope, Cr Michael Laws, Cr Kevin Malcolm, Cr Andrew NooneCr Hilary Calvert, Cr Carmen Hope, Cr Michael Laws, Cr Kevin Malcolm, Cr Andrew Noone Did not vote (conflict of interest): Cr Kate Wilson, Cr Gary Kelliher* Cr Hobbs had the casting vote in favour of Option A.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 24, 2020 15:33 UTC