Feedback on Arrowwater limits sought

Peter Bodeker.
Peter Bodeker.
The Otago Regional Council is seeking public feedback regarding the Arrow River, as part of its Otago Water Plan.

ORC chief executive Peter Bodeker said a consultative process was under way and changes to the water plan would involve setting minimum flows and water allocation limits for the Arrow River catchment.

There would also be groundwater allocation limits for the nine Wakatipu Basin aquifers — all of which had at least one domestic water take on them — to ensure the various demands made on the catchment and aquifers could be met sustainably.

Minimum flows ensured those using water could continue to operate, while enough water remained in lakes and rivers to preserve aquatic wildlife and the natural character of waterways. 

Allocation limits were set to avoid over-allocation and maintain supply for water takers.Mr Bodeker said the Arrow was a tributary of the Kawarau River, fed into the Clutha.

New Zealand native fish,  koaro, and freshwater crayfish, koura, were found in the catchment, along with brown trout and rainbow trout.

Gold was discovered there more than 150 years ago and it still drew people to the area, which was popular with recreational miners.

They were among the groups the ORC wanted to engage with, as well as people who took water from springs.

"We need locals and other stakeholders to let us know what’s important to them in the catchment, so that we can ensure it is well managed now and for future generations," Mr Bodeker said.

Drop-in sessions will be held at the Arrowtown Bowling Club on June 26, from 1pm to 3pm and 6pm to 8pm, and at the Queenstown Events Centre on June 27, from 12.30pm to 2.30pm.

Following that, community consultation later this year will cover a summary of the feedback and minimum flow and allocation options.

More consultation will occur next year on  a preferred option, to be followed by a formal plan change process.

tracey.roxburgh@odt.co.nz 

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