No one likes foreign species to invade the local habitats and cause unnecessary damage. However over history it has happened. Possums are one very clear example – their fur value cannot equate to the damage they do.
The situation before the Cooks Beach Community is whether or not they will finally get a Resource Consent approved to introduce Grass Carp in their two lakes. The purpose is to manage the weed infestation that is a constant concern and health risk and prevents the lakes from doing their job – storm water storage. The situation has created an eyesore for everyone.
Finally after four years, a Consent for the application to have Grass Carp is close to being approved by the council. It looked like a success on 25 March this year. It was even announced by one staff member.
However, It is written into legislation that iwi are to be consulted on the use of anything in waterways whether it be natural or introduced.
Close-up of Lake and Duck
A different view
Recently and overdue, DOC undertook this final aspect which is not good news for the Cooks Beach community. The Informer spoke to a local iwi representative.
“When we looked at the lakes we were shocked at the lack of planting around the perimeters. It was all meant to be planted initially when the lakes went in. Years ago, a small amount was done and it has mysteriously vanished.
“We would like to see an extensive planting programme and TCDC has funding for this. WRC has the responsibility for the catchment, and it can be planted right up to the perimeters of the lakes.
“The massive and unpredictable rain events have caused a rethink. The flooding goes beyond the lakes and that means the Grass Carp would also go beyond the lakes and though we understand that they do not reproduce, how can we be sure that will last forever. Had these rain events not had such a dramatic effect, we probably would have taken a different view.
“The other addition suggested and has been discussed is the use of a bio-aerator which will help move the water around with a good planting programme. We can’t condone the introduction of foreign species. I know planting may interfere with some people’s views but there can be pockets to view. Council has money for it, especially for the planting of these lakes. We are offering a different point of view.”
Steve Lloyd a resident of Cooks Beach and the convenor of the Cooks Beach Lakes committee is disappointed and dismayed at this viewpoint. As someone who cares for the lawns and often mows the grass around the lakes, he understands how long and costly the planning of the planting suggested would be and is surprised that there is funding available especially since the recent consultation on rates is shaving these costs.
Steve accepts that the application has to have a consultation process but he is questioning the process if the reason for not going along with it is not scientifically or environmentally based. Consultation has to be with ALL parties.
He is aware of the process – Council would have to have a vote to tell DOC to approve the application notwithstanding the iwi viewpoint. DOC then has the final say.
The past four years
The Cooks Beach community understand their research. They have brought in experts, made presentations with solid data that shows success over time. Grass Carp do NOT reproduce and they die in salt water. They do not eat all the weeds – they act like effective mowers. Other councils such as Bay of Plenty have used Grass Carp for the same problems faced and to good effect. TCDC, Waikato Regional Council, DOC and NIWA have all been involved trying so many different machinery and spray solutions at huge cost but to no avail. Some machines have broken down due to the intense thickness and density of the weeds in the lakes. Steve is aware that the cost factor is not acceptable and something must be done. At times volunteers have got in there to clear out the weeds due to stench and no water movement and there are truckloads of waste taken away.
Such a long period of hard work and trying alternatives to being no closer to a solution; “Common sense has not prevailed across the board,” says Steve. He at times felt that some council staff were stonewalling the process as well as the application.
Meanwhile there is a build-up of algae bloom. Residents have had to dispose of dead ducks themselves due to the presence of botulism. These waterways are clogged and need intervention that is not repetitive.
Rates pay for this flood storage containment, and they are eye sore for a lot of the time. The number of attempts to keep the weeds down has cost the community dearly in terms of dollars and failing to making the Cooks Beach lakes safe and attractive and good for simple leisure activities.
Current councillors have been working in the background to get a decision that will solve the issue and one which most people can agree to. The CE has been involved in hurrying up the process which did seem to lag.
So many ideas have been tried, and different ideologies have been applied.
A possible two-way solution: Could the Grass Carp be introduced as an experiment over a period of twelve months while planting, which will take considerable time, goes into effect.
The review would need to consider the removal of the Grass Carp if any of the iwis concerns are validated.
This would reduce the cost of big machinery and sprays at least and give everyone a chance to watch these, Grass Carp. If planting does what is promised, then the number of Grass Carp can be reduced, but that also must be validated by residents around the lakes and they need to be not so concerned about a view.
Could people donate the cost of one carp for one year? It all depends on a decision that allows all parties to continue to be involved and succeed.
