West Otago residents will have a chance to air their views on the Whisky Gully Domain if a reserve management plan for the area is developed.
The Whisky Gully Domain issue was brought to the attention of the West Otago Community Board last week by Tapanui West Otago (Two) Promotions.
The domain, on Whisky Gully Rd, is often used for recreational activities. Part of the domain is leased out, with the current three-year lease due to expire at the end of this year.
The domain backs on to Department of Conservation land which includes the Whisky Gully walk.
Two Promotions requested the Clutha District Council develop a long-term plan for Whisky Gully.
A letter from the group said the domain was a listed camper van site, with a car park and small toilet block.
It advocated planting native trees to attract birds, and developing small picnic areas.
West Otago ward councillor Michelle Kennedy said the vision for the domain should come from residents.
''It is a lovely area, and I just don't want to see it too over-populated. It's also where our water comes from, and this is a concern.''
Mrs Kennedy said the lessee had been looking after the domain well, keeping public areas tidy and voluntarily often looking after the wheelie bin.
Board chairwoman Barbara Hanna said the domain was a beautiful spot and said creating a reserve management plan was the ''way to go'' as everyone had different ideas for the area.
Council district assets manager Jules Witt said if approved, council staff would produce a draft reserve management plan after consultation with the public. After the draft plan was released, the public would again be consulted.
The plan would identify current and future demands for the reserve, identify current deficiencies, facilities and amenities and identify public recreational activities within the domain.
The board unanimously voted to recommend to the district assets committee that council resolves to develop a reserve management plan for the Whisky Gully Domain.
Whisky Gully is also spelled ''Whiskey Gully'' - particularly in council records.
