Budget 2019's investment in environment welcomed by Bay Conservation Alliance

Today's Budget has been hailed a positive step forward for the environment.

This afternoonthe Government announced $229 million Sustainable Land Use Package to protect and restore at-risk waterways and wetlands while providing support for farmers and growers to use their land more sustainably.

Bay Conservation Alliance chief executive Michelle Elborn said the announcement was "fantastic".

"I think our New Zealand environment has been horribly underinvested in for a significant amount of time," Elborn said.

"We do live in a beautiful place but, underneath the surface, we are not doing so well."

Elborn said the Budget was positive and had created a different approach compared to previous Budgets.

Bay Conservative Alliance chief executive Michelle Elborn says the $229m investment into protecting and restoring at-risk waterways is welcomed. Photo / File

"Measuring just on GDP is not a great approach. This is a real positive step forward in understanding the real cost of outcomes."

Environment Minister David Parker said the package would help tackle the environmental issues New Zealanders care about.

"It's the birthright of all New Zealanders to pop down to their local river in summer for a swim and put their head under without getting sick. Today's Budget announcement turns the tide and offers support to farmers to reduce pollution getting into our waterways," Parker said.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council chairman Doug Leeder said in a statement he welcomed the Government's approach to measure progress more holistically.

"It is pleasing to see that through the $229 million dollar investment to help clean up waterways, and initiatives like the Sustainable Land Use package, the Budget recognises that to tackle current economic and environmental challenges we need to work together – and importantly, that councils and landowners need to be supported. We look forward to continuing to work with central government on the implementation of this and other initiatives."