Friday 11 March 2005

Consultation on Heathcote River starts Monday

Christchurch residents are being invited to set their imaginations to work and help the Christchurch City Council establish a workable vision for a 6km stretch of the Heathcote River.

“For the next six weeks, we will be asking people through public meetings and written submissions to tell us what they want for the river and its surroundings for the next 10, 20, 50 years,” Council project manager John de Zwart said.

Because the River is so long, this initial consultation will focus on developing a vision just for the stretch of river from Colombo St to Hansen Park. Once this has been done, the Council will be able to produce a long term plan for the area including landscaping, tree planting, beautifying the closed section of Hunter Tce and changes that need to be made to meet future demands. Some of this work including tree planting will start next year.

“The first public meeting is on Monday 14 March at 6.30pm at Opawa School and we will welcome anyone with an interest in the future of this magnificent Christchurch waterway to come and share their views,” Mr de Zwart said. Other public meetings will be held on Thursday 17 March, 6.30pm at Cashmere Club; Monday 21 March, 6.30pm at Beckenham School and Tuesday 22 March, 6.30pm at Huntsbury Community Centre.

”Ideally, people living in the area will come to their closest meeting venue, so that there can be better discussion about issues that directly affect their communities,” Mr de Zwart said.

Further information about the Heathcote River Vision project and submission forms will be available from Council service centres, Civic Offices and Christchurch City Libraries from Monday 14 March. An online submission can also be made on the Council's website www.ccc.govt.nz/haveyoursay Submissions close Friday 22 April.

ENDS

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