Hello Frank.

The big environmental issue for all of us is how we manage and use the available water in the future.. 

The next two are representation of the Malvern Ward views at SDC and communications between Council and the communities of Malvern 

The other next one is long term planning across the district and the pressing need for a structure plan for Darfield

I hope that helps.

Hi Frank

Thank you for your question. I have listed my top issues on the elections 2010 web site but as the election campaign has progressed I believe my top issues are planning and representation.

Good planning is going to be essential over the next few years as Malvern continues to grow alongside major projects. The Wider District Planning Strategy which will start shortly will require a high level of community input. We will need to balance development with the retention of our present community values.

 Strong representation is going to be required. Malvern covers a huge area of the Selwyn District but is low in Council representation. If elected I will work alongside my fellow Councillor and our Malvern Community Board to ensure that the views of this district are heard and acted on. Communication to and from Council has to be improved so that all are informed. I have the skills to make this happen.  Malvern is my community and I care about it.

On environmental issues I have operated a sustainable farming system and continued tree planting started 145 years ago by my forbears. I was a judge of the Balance Environmental awards. Like many farmers I am passionate about my land. Although I have never irrigated I am in favour of irrigation for the benefits it brings to sustainable farming systems and having experienced the affects of droughts in different parts of New Zealand have seen the damage these do to our environment. I do not believe that increased irrigation on the Canterbury Plains means more dairying but rather the more intensive use of this good land for food production. Further an irrigation scheme based on river flows and storage will decrease the drawing of water from our aquifers and reduce the use of electricity. I believe that we have the science to manager effluent from farming practices but enforcement is necessary. This is a big subject but I guess from our own local perspective it revolves around good farming practices, efficient water use and above all keeping our water pure.

Regards

Ian Warren