The local community is being encouraged to participate in the drafting of Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) new Land and Water Regional Plan (LWRP).

ORC policy and planning manager Fleur Matthews said the LWRP will set a long-term vision for how Otago’s land and waterways will be managed and protected.

“Now’s the time to chart a course for Otago’s water bodies, be it lakes, rivers, streams or wetlands,” she said.

The first of 12 community meetings will start next month.

“The eventual LWRP will be a cornerstone document for future environmental protection across all Otago, which is why it’s so important communities come together now and engage so their views can help shape the plan.”

As well as drop-in sessions, which will run across Otago over September and October, there will also be two online meetings, plus an online feedback form.

Fleur said the strategic direction of the draft LWRP is a “significant shift” from the current water plan, which focuses primarily on water and contains little direction on managing the land which contributes to freshwater issues, such as water quality and ecosystem health.

“Safeguarding our waterways will over time benefit everyone, providing greater opportunities for communities, industry, recreation and tourism alike. Everyone benefits from having healthier lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands,” she said. 

The draft LWPR covers everything from the disposal of solid waste, discharges of agri-chemicals and other liquids, wastewater discharges including sewage, greywater and industrial waste, stormwater discharges and activities occurring in wetlands and beds of lakes and rivers.

The Wānaka drop-in sessions on the LWRP will take place on October 16 (11am-2pm and 3pm-6pm) at the Lake Wānaka Centre.

Residents can also read the draft LWRP, learn more about the online meetings and submit feedback forms here.

PHOTO: Wānaka App