The comments yesterday emerged from a discussion at the council's technical committee of a major report on South Dunedin's natural hazards, and a covering report by council engineering, hazards and science director Dr Gavin Palmer.
Cr Michael Deaker praised the high quality of the reports, which were based on well-researched science.
He warned against taking an alarmist approach to the problems, including the risk of surface ponding, and said the community "seriously needs'' the information contained in the main 66-page report.
The committee heard that the ORC and Dunedin City Council were joining forces in a DCC-led initiative to offer some neighbourhood-style meetings late next month and in early September at which South Dunedin residents could learn more about the report's implications for the particular area in which they lived.
Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Dr Jan Wright had been correct to point out there was time to react to challenges such as sea level rise faced by South Dunedin, by using sound evidence, and not just to "rush into'' some form of remedial action without sufficient study, Cr Deaker said.
Council deputy chairwoman Cr Gretchen Robertson said the natural hazards report was "hugely comprehensive'', and she felt "very positive'' about the future.
Cr Trevor Kempton said there would not be one "big solution''. A series of measures would be undertaken in coming years to respond to issues such as rising sea levels.
Cr Kempton also hoped a "dedicated'' person would be appointed to lead collaborative efforts to deal with South Dunedin's environmental challenges in future.
