David Bruce

Few Waitaki Valley people took the chance yesterday to learn about resource management issues in in the Canterbury region, of which they are part.

An arrangement with a United States county that hosts gliding pilots from around the world to form a "sister city" relationship has spread to possibly encompass the whole of the Waitaki district, rather than just Omarama.

Farmers will be able to get advice on how to reduce irrigation energy bills at a workshop in North Otago being run jointly by the Waitaki District Council, Waitaki Development Board and Irrigation NZ.

The cost of redeveloping Omarama's hall into a multipurpose centre, including medical services, should be known by the end of this year, with the Omarama Residents' Association asking construction companies to register an interest.

East Otago's water supplies will receive a $1.8 million upgrade to meet new drinking water standards - but how ratepayers will pay the cost has yet to be decided.

More than 100 serious, wacky and fun art works and inventions are expected for this year's Oamaru Steampunk Exhibition, making it almost three times bigger and better than last year's inaugural event.

New charges introduced at two boat ramps on Lake Benmore have come under fire, but were yesterday defended by the Waitaki District Council, which pointed out its ratepayers were subsidising the facilities.

Boat-launching ramp fees have been introduced at two popular Lake Benmore camping areas as the Waitaki District Council attempts to recover some of the costs of maintaining the facilities for day-trippers.

The increasing number of people walking, often drunk, along unlit roads and State Highways is worrying Oamaru police.

Whalan Lodge Trust is appealing to the Upper Waitaki district organisations for funds to help it extend the Whalan Lodge home for the elderly in Kurow.

The Omarama Soaring Centre faces a big bill for excessive consumption of water, which was caused by a leak.