Opponents concerned at effects of disposal

More than 100 submissions on Port Otago's consent applications to dredge Otago Harbour will be heard over three weeks in Dunedin next month.

The Otago Regional Council has received 195 submissions on the various consents the port company has applied for.

• Harbour plans dredge up opposition 

Of those, 148, including some from runanga, fishermen at local and national level, conservation groups, the Department of Conservation and various departments of Otago University, were opposed to the consents.

Many of the concerned submissions came from residents living in harbourside towns and settlements.

Concerns centred mostly on the impact of the dredging and its disposal and what effect that would have on the environment, ecosystems, marine animals, surf beaches and fishing.

There were 31 submissions supporting the project, and another three which supported it with conditions. Those submissions were mostly made by business groups, shipping companies, tourism operators and those in the meat and forestry industries.

Also supporting it were Otago Rock Lobster Association, Harington Pt Society, Otago Peninsula Community Board and Otago Yacht Club.

Thirteen submissions were neutral, including the Dunedin City Council's.

As the regional council is 100% owner of Port Otago, submissions will be heard by an independent panel, John Lumsden and Hugh Leersnyder, appointed by the council, and Dr Mike Johnson, the Department of Conservation appointment.

Council resource director Selva Selvarajah said the panel would consider the application and reports presented by Port Otago, the submitters' concerns and the council's staff report.

That report, as with any other hearing, had been compiled objectively, having consideration for the information provided by the applicant and its own reports as well as having regard to submissions, he said.

The panel's decision could be appealed to the Environment Court.

- rebecca.fox@odt.co.nz