7.Assessment Toolbox
One of the objectives of this study was to examine the possibility of developing some values for the assessment parameters which were developed. The purpose of development of these parameter values was so that they could be used to assess the potential flow on impacts of various irrigation schemes being proposed.
Although the use of standard parameter values should not be considered as a substitute for detailed modelling and assessment of individual schemes impacts, they could have a place in determining "in the order of" levels of impacts for schemes in their very early investigation stages.
7.1 Direct Impacts
Direct impacts are those impacts that occur as a result of output increases at the farm gate. If it is assumed that standard, or average, levels of income and expenditure are achieved in the project area then it may be appropriate to use the direct impacts identified in the ex post study.
Appendix 1 reports the direct economic impacts calculated in the study for each individual land use type expressed on a per 000 Ha basis. If the land use mix for a proposed scheme was able to be estimated then this mix could be multiplied by the parameter values in the table to estimate direct or farm gate impacts that would occur as a result of the scheme.
7.2 Flow on Impacts
As discussed earlier in this report, the flow on impacts that will occur are calculated by applying a series of multipliers to the farm gate output figures. Separate sets of multipliers need to be developed for each geographic location for which impacts are being assessed. The set of multipliers will differ significantly according to the make up of the economy in each geographic location. There will also be large differences in impacts according to the location of processing industries. For example in Canterbury the only major dairy processing site is at Clandeboye and therefore the flow on impacts from processing dairy products, although significant at the regional level, will be weak at all district levels other than South Canterbury.
Therefore the authors advise caution in the use of the coefficient's and resulting multipliers used and reported in Appendix 1 of this report for any other detailed assessment. However they may be appropriately used for the assessment of regional flow on impacts for schemes in the Canterbury region.
7.3 Social Impacts
The social impacts reported in this study do not provide quantitative data that can be used for extrapolation into other project areas. However the results of the social impact assessment can be seen as providing quantitative proof of social assessment reporting, which up until now has been based on qualitative and anecdotal evidence. Therefore the results reported can be used as a basis to indicate the likely social impacts of irrigation developments as long as they are reported alongside assessment of other community changes which are occurring.
Contact for Enquiries
MAF Information Services
Pastoral House
25 The Terrace
PO Box 2526
Wellington, NEW ZEALAND
Fax: +64 4 894 0721
Contact this person
