Community given chance to have say on local water issues

The Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone Committee is holding a series of public meetings to update the community on its progress.

The zone committee is charged with developing a water management plan that will provide future generations with social and economic benefits from the region’s water resource.

Since forming, the committee has had numerous meetings, field trips and presentations to better understand the water resource in the Orari-Opihi-Pareora zone.

People who attend October’s public meetings will also be able to provide feedback on the committee’s priorities for water management. These priorities will guide the committee’s water management programme for the zone.

These priorities will be focussed around specific areas of importance to water management including; water quality, biodiversity, and future water security.

The zone committee expects to have a draft Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP) developed by the end of the year. The committee’s draft ZIP recommends the actions, responsibilities and time-frames for activities to help achieve the principles, targets and goals set out in the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS).

Community members will be invited to provide their feedback on the draft ZIP in early 2012 before it is submitted to the Timaru and Mackenzie District councils, and Environment Canterbury.

The Orari-Opihi-Pareora Zone extends south from the Rangitata River (shared boundary with Ashburton Zone) through to the Pareora catchment. It includes all of the Timaru district and parts of the Mackenzie and Waimate districts.

Meeting details will be publicised in local papers and on www.ecan.govt.nz/canterburywater .

Community meeting details

Tuesday, 18 October 7-9pm
Fairlie Community Centre, Main Street, Fairlie

Thursday, 20 October 2-4pm
St Andrews Church Hall, 10 Cox Street, Geraldine Fairlie Highway

Thursday, 20 October 7-9pm
Meeting Room 1 / Council Chambers, Timaru District Council, Barnard Street, Timaru