15^th December 2023

not published however here is my latest letter to The Press

The Editor

In response to the item “committee chair steps down after bid to increase funding”.

Firstly thank you to The Press for reporting this.

It is important however to note that funding had been allocated in the past three years for the revitalisation of the Canterbury Biodiversity Strategy, arguably, along with the Regional Pest Plan, ECans most important documents relating to the protection of our native biota and landscapes.

That even an action as simple as letters to the original signatory stakeholders, of the intent to carry out the work had not occurred in this three-year period is of great concern to many Cantabrians.

Let’s not forget that ECan called a climate emergency in the last term. One would expect some considered urgency if the call was more than lip service.

We can work to save our environment but it will mean walking the walk, not talking the talk

Cr Greg Byrnes