The Teviot Valley Community Board has decided to hold off from putting a firebreak on land near the Roxburgh reservoir, despite concern from residents.
A Central Otago District Council report, from property and facilities officer Christina Martin, said a Branxholm St property owner reported concerns about the Roxburgh Reservoir Reserve behind their house, which was ``overgrown and potentially a fire hazard''.
The reservoir and reserve are on a hill at the north end of town.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand Central Otago deputy principal rural fire officer Pete Scarlet was asked to report on the fire risk.
Mr Scarlet suggested stock grazing, spraying, mulching or slashing.
He also recommended a fire break of at least 15m be applied by the properties on Branxholm St and to the west on Edinburgh St.
``This break would require the heavier vegetation to be removed and the lighter grass fuels to be maintained to a minimal height,'' he said.
The report by Ms Martin recommended the community board approve funding for a firebreak.
But Teviot Valley Community Board chairman Raymond Gunn said after the board's meeting last week the board decided not to go ahead with the firebreak at this stage and ``will look further at what we can do''.
This could include increasing the number or type of stock, or manual cutting.
There were 12 goats grazing the land at the moment, Ms Martin's report said.
``The problem is not so much of an issue right before winter,'' Mr Gunn said.
``We'll look at co-ordinating a plan right along the hill.''
Mr Gunn hoped to see something in place by spring.
