Otago Regional Council (ORC) has wrapped up the last of a series of community meetings to help inform a new land and water regional plan to protect the region’s lakes and rivers.

Twenty-six meetings took place in 19 locations across Otago, including three in the Upper Clutha.

ORC general manager policy and science Anita Dawe said the meetings were positive.

“People seemed to genuinely appreciate the community meeting process and the opportunity to be heard,” she said.

The new land and water regional plan will be a tool to manage land and waterways in the region, and will align with the government’s goal to improve water quality within one generation.

The feedback gathered at the community meetings will influence the setting of measurements and limits in the draft plan.

While community meetings are now complete, people can still have their say via online feedback.

Anita said she strongly encourages more people to participate online before closing on December 31 to ensure all views are considered.

The ORC was directed to begin the process for a new land and water regional plan in 2019 when the Minister for the Environment told the regional council it could do better to manage Otago's lakes.

The third and final round of consultation on the land and water regional plan will be held early in 2023.

Find the feedback forms for your area and have your say here.

PHOTO: Wānaka App