New funding for local freshwater catchment groups announced in this year’s Budget will support farmers in the Coromandel electorate to protect our waterways, says National MP for Coromandel Scott Simpson.

“This will be welcome news for the community groups in the Hauraki District who have dedicated their time and efforts to restoring the streams in Waharau, Pūkorokoro, and Waitakaruru.”

“To support farmers efforts the Western Firth Catchment group has been allocated $50,000 over 6 months to evaluate opportunities and implement management changes that will lead to improving water quality issues.”

“Budget 2024 also provides $36 million over four years for regionally based Ministry for Primary Industries staff who support catchment groups on-the-ground, $7 million of which will go directly to catchment groups across the country. This is in addition to MPI’s current investment in 46 catchment-based projects, which support 290 groups and over 9,000 farmers.”

“Our waterways are vital for the community, and it is important we look after them. Farmers have been leading the way with local solutions to improve land management practices and water quality.”

“This funding will ensure the Western Firth Catchment group has the on-the-ground support and resources they need to protect our environment and ensure our local economy thrives now and into the future.”

“I am excited to see the work our community members will do to benefit our people and our environment with this Budget 2024 investment.”