Have your say on Estuary's future

The future of land edging one of Christchurch's most-loved bodies of water is being considered by Christchurch City Council.

The Council is preparing a draft Master Plan for the management of public land around the edges of the Avon Heathcote Estuary - Ihutai and is seeking the public's views and suggestions.

The scope of the plan will cover the Estuary's green edge (western side), Tidal View to Redcliffs foreshore, Moncks Bay to Scarborough Beach Parks and Ebbtide Street to Southshore Spit Reserve.

Asset and Network Planning Manager Terry Howes says the Master Plan will provide a vision and approach that will inform future management and development. "It will take into account how to approach the development of the Estuary in a balanced way that considers the relationships between different parts of the area." The Master Plan will balance public access and recreational demands with the protection and enhancement of biodiversity along the Estuary edge.

The council is consulting the public, gathering issues and identifying opportunities and priorities until next March, A draft Master Plan will set objectives, policies and action points for further public consultation. The final Estuary Edge Master Plan is expected to be submitted to Council for adoption in early 2012.

An information leaflet is available from the Civic offices, libraries and service centres and will be on the Council's website (www.ccc.govt.nz/haveyoursay). Information sessions will be held at the Mt Pleasant Community Centre, McCormacks Bay Road, on Wednesday 15 December 2010, 5.00-6.30pm, and on Tuesday 15 February 2011, 5.00-6.30pm.

ENDS

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