The Otago Regional Council's engineering and hazards committee decided yesterday that the council should apply for a 35-year consent for the weirs which were initially granted consent on a temporary and experimental basis last year.
Two weirs were constructed in the Leith between Anzac Bridge and State Highway 88 in August with the aim of improving the aesthetic and ecological characteristics of the tidal section of the Leith by impounding water over the lower half of the tidal cycle.
Environmental engineering and natural hazards director Gavin Palmer said the weir's effects and performance had been monitored and had shown no adverse effects environmentally but the consents were due to run out in August.
There had also been no problems during higher levels of water.
As a result, he believed the weirs should be retained and enhanced in consultation with the working group of interested parties including Department of Conservation and Otago Fish and Game.
The project had cost $50,000 with $30,000 coming from an enhancement budget and the rest from the maintenance budget.
It could have cost in the "six figures" if the council had not used reclaimed material for the work, Dr Palmer said.
Cr Gretchen Robertson said the few extra dollars it cost to use permanent materials had made good sense and now the council had something that would remain for 35 years or more.
Chairman Stephen Woodhead said he had received positive comments about the Leith, although he believed most people would not be aware of the work as they would just see a "pool of water".
"It was pleasing to be able to move quickly to do it and it's an ideal long-term enhancement."
