The Horizons Regional Council is receiving a special funding boost of $300,000 from the government for erosion control works as part of the Sustainable Land Use Initiative (SLUI).

Group manager of natural resources and partnerships Dr. Jon Roygard said the successful application is great news.

The funding will provide a one-off grant for farmers in Ruapehu District impacted by the storm to receive poplar and willow poles at no cost, as well as for planting in riparian zones on approximately 500 hectares of hill country throughout the region. There will also be assessments of the eligibility of poplar and willow poles planted for erosion control for entry into the Emissions Trading Scheme.

“As part of the SLUI programme we can also offer further plantings at a subsidised rate and ongoing advice around building resilience through Whole Farm Plans and erosion control works on farm,” he added.

Chair of the Horizons catchment operations committee David Cotton, meanwhile, said they have allocated all the trees following the meetings and are looking forward to working with landowners to build resilience across the district.

“Planting the right tree in the right place is extremely important for achieving this, as well as contributing to improved water quality and keeping soil out of river channels so they can retain flood carrying capacity,” he noted.

Horizons councillor for Ruapehu Bruce Rollinson is urging landowners who are interested in learning more about SLUI, subsidised planting or forestry appraisals, to contact the council.