First step in designation

A hearing to consider the Gore District Council's application to designate land around its main water source for Gore will be held this week.

In October, the council moved to take the first step to designate in the district plan 14ha of land around Coopers Wells at Knapdale as a ''water supply and protection area''.

The well supplies water to more than 7000 people, providing most of the daily requirements for Gore.

On average, 2850cu m of water a day are extracted from the wells for Gore residents.

The council has issued a notice of requirement, which outlines its intention to designate about 14ha around Coopers Wells.

The proposed designation applies to land now operated as part of a dairy farm, with the land owned by the council and the Crown (7.6ha), the defunct New Zealand Agricultural Co (3ha) and the Sharp Trust (3.4ha).

A 4m-wide strip from the wells to the Mataura River would also be included in the designation.

The hearing starts on Wednesday in the council chambers before independent hearing commissioners Colin Weatherall, of Dunedin, and David Pullar, of Kaiwera.

Council consultant planner Keith Hovell said 35 submissions were received but one had been withdrawn. Of the remaining submitters, about 30 indicated they wanted to speak at the hearing.

The first day of the hearing will be taken up with evidence from the council supporting its proposal.

Among those giving evidence will be district assets general manager Paul Withers and Opus International principal water resources scientist Jack McConchie.

Mr Hovell said the hearing commissioners were likely to reserve their decision.

-helena.dereus@odt.co.nz

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