The district's Shaping our Futures forum series moved to Hawea Flat on Wednesday night, where bantering residents enjoyed suggesting ways to protect the environment from people.
Lake Hawea glaciologist Trevor Chinn's suggestion the council erect a large road sign stating "Otago's windiest place - keep moving" drew the loudest laughs, but no-one took it seriously and voted for it.
Up to 40 people attended the forum, which is part of a series of community meetings to develop recommendations for decision makers to consider when setting policies and budgets.
Before the forum separated into groups to brainstorm their concerns, co-facilitator Dave Roberts acknowledged the present hot topic was the potential effect of dairy farm effluent run-off on drinking water.
He asked the residents to focus on a 50-year vision, because a specific forum on dairying, food production and intensive agriculture could be held later.
Clean water topped the list of concerns in each group and there were also calls for more gardens.
Views expressed reflected the interests of a growing population of proudly green-fingered cycling enthusiasts with a passion for families, culture, arts and the outdoors. Their vision included preserving the tight-knit community spirit, village atmosphere and landscapes.
Forums have already been held in Cardrona, Kingston and Glenorchy and the next forums will be held in Luggate on September 19, Makarora on September 27, Queenstown on September 28 and Wanaka on September 29.
A document will then be drafted and shared for public feedback before more meetings in November to refine the vision, identify priorities and develop actions to be taken next year.
Working parties have been established to come up with recommendations for events and the district's economic future by February next year.
