A public meeting will be held in Maheno next week to discuss the Otago Regional Council's research and proposals for dealing with key issues confronting the Kakanui and Kauru rivers.
The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is inviting people interested in the future management of the Kakanui and Kauru rivers to the meeting on May 7 from 7pm at the Maheno Hall.
Chaired by ORC Waitaki councillor Doug Brown, ORC councillors and staff will update progress on the strategy development and seek feedback on management options.
ORC chairman Stephen Woodhead said the council wanted to work with the local community to develop a management strategy for the rivers focusing on community values, the natural tendencies of the river channel to move within the floodplain, the methods available to reduce the effects of bank erosion and flooding, methods for enhancing the river environment and its recreational opportunities and land use activities most suited to the river margins.
''Incorporating local knowledge into the development of a long-term management plan for the rivers that reflected community aspirations and values was critical to the successful implementation of the strategy,'' Cr Woodhead said.
Drop-in sessions will also be held on May 8.
ORC staff will be available to discuss localised river issues in more detail.
These sessions will also be at the Maheno Hall from 11.30am to 1.30pm and 4.30pm to 6pm, and at the Kauru Hall from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
