A policy statement which sets the direction for future management of Otago's natural and physical resources has been approved for public notification.

Otago Regional Council (ORC) councillors approved the notification of the Proposed Otago Regional Policy Statement (pORPS) at a full council meeting last week.

“The pORPS shapes the management of Otago’s resources and will be important for, among other things, the Land and Water Regional Plan,” ORC chair Gretchen Robertson said.

She said the statement identifies regionally significant issues around the management of Otago’s natural and physical resources and sets out what needs to be achieved and the way in which it will be achieved.

The pORPS is broken into two parts: freshwater and non-freshwater.

The freshwater part covers the regulation, environmental protections and water quantity and quality for lakes and dams and rivers and streams across Otago. 

The non-freshwater part covers coast, air, urban areas, wetlands, regionally significant issues, natural features and landscapes, ecosystems and indigenous biodiversity, hazards and risks and manawhenua issues.

The councillors decision to approve the pORPS came after a report by two independent hearing panels.

“We thank the panel for providing their well thought out report and decision, and for the many submitters who committed a great deal of time to prepare and present to the panel,” Gretchen said. 

“This was a robust process with plenty of good evidence provided.”

The panel’s decision, alongside the pORPS, are now available on the ORC website.

ORC policy and science general manager Anita Dawe said this step now moves the pORPS into the “next phase” of the process.

Submitters can now lodge legal appeals on the decisions, she said.

However, until the appeals process is resolved, it is still a “proposed” plan.

Find more information about the pORPS, the appeals process and the panel’s recommendations at the ORC website.

PHOTO: Wānaka App