Tuesday 12 April 2016

Strath-Taieri community asked for ideas on river management plan

The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is inviting people interested in the future management of the Taieri River to contribute their views on how the river should be managed.

A river management strategy is being developed to help protect the recreational, cultural, and ecological values of the Taieri riverbed, and enable the long-term sustainable use of the land that borders the river.

Its focus is on the main stem of the Taieri River for the reach between Hyde and Matarae. It will also be relevant to some activities occurring in other parts of the catchment.

The strategy will outline objectives and actions designed to help achieve this goal by guiding work programmes, decision-making, and activities involving the community, stakeholders, and ORC.

A public meeting will be held on Wednesday 20 April from 6pm to 9pm at the Strath-Taieri Community Centre in Middlemarch. ORC staff will be at the meeting to discuss the strategy development and get public feedback on potential management options.

ORC chairman Stephen Woodhead said the council’s decision to hold the public consultation reflected its desire to work with the local community.

“Incorporating local knowledge into the development of a long-term management plan for the river which reflects community aspirations and values is critical to the successful implementation of the strategy,” Mr Woodhead said.

ENDS

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