During my last successful campaign for the role as Mayor I wrote here about Blenheim’s Taylor River Reserve, and the concerns I shared with many residents about the river’s water quality.
Every day, my partner Anne and I walk our dogs Bella and Hugo in the reserve, and we always enjoy seeing how many other Marlburians are out enjoying this great public space.
But, also like many others, are often concerned when we see children swimming in the water of the Taylor River. Levels of E. coli bacteria in the river have frequently failed water quality testing with a Suitability for Recreation Grade of ‘Very Poor’.
That issue intensified after the Kaikōura Earthquake, which happened a few weeks after I took office as Mayor, and which had caused damage to Blenheim’s already ageing sewerage system.
With all that we know today, and the tools we have to work with, pollution in our rivers is not, in my view, acceptable. So in the last few years, Council has instigated genuine action and shown leadership toward improving the region’s sewerage infrastructure and the Taylor River’s water quality.
Through this work it has also been ascertained that the main outfall sewage pump in Blenheim is at risk if a big earthquake hits.
Replacing the pump has been budgeted for as a major project in the 2019 pre-election report. In addition, Council is spending $4.8m this year to finish the Waikawa trunk sewer upgrade – a vital upgrade to improve Picton’s infrastructure and ensure it can handle demands from future population growth.
These are very important projects for our wider region to ensure our overall resilience and environmental guardianship in future as Marlborough continues to grow, expand and thrive.
As Mayor, I believe all Marlborough residents should have reassurance that they have a Council that prioritises services as basic as clean drinking water, which should be an expectation of every New Zealander.
It has therefore been one of my greatest pleasures this year to witness the long-awaited Seddon water treatment plant become operational. Upgrades have also been budgeted for and actioned to improve the drinking water supplies for Renwick, Havelock and Picton.
Sometimes, the most important essentials of life are also the most challenging.
Ensuring these challenges continue to be met requires identifying and prioritising the right issues. That takes an effective and experienced Mayor, with the continuity of being a strong leader for a new team of Councillors.
Because, like many, I look forward to the day when children can jump into the clear, healthy water of the Taylor River - and other Marlborough rivers - with any fear of harmful bacteria firmly a thing of the past.
