ORC water appeal not decided

Sarah Gardner
Sarah Gardner
The Otago Regional Council has deferred consideration of its legal response to a successful Environment Court challenge by Lindis River farmers and water users against water flow limits set by council-appointed commissioners.

Council chief executive Sarah Gardner, who has delegated authority to do so, has already filed a notion of intent for the council to appear, as part of an appeal already lodged by the Otago Fish And Game Council.

Ms Gardner stressed to the full council meeting yesterday that while the council had joined the appeal, doing so did not involve stating whether it supported or opposed the court decision.

Councillors were asked to consider either actively participating in the appeal or joining solely to assist the High Court in its deliberations.

However, they raised other questions such as whether Ms Gardner should continue to be delegated the power to make such decisions, and what legal advice the council had regarding its options.

Cr Michael Laws proposed adjourning the debate until November 27 for further consideration, a course of action agreed to by the majority of council.

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement