Locals given another opportunity to have say on water management

The Upper Waitaki Zone Committee is hosting an additional community feedback meeting in response to strong community interest in local water issues. The third meeting will be held in Omarama on 28 November from 7 to 9pm. At the meeting participants will be asked to provide feedback on the priorities for water management in the zone. These priorities will guide the committee as it develops its recommendations for water management which will be detailed in its draft Zone Implementation Programme (ZIP). The draft ZIP will recommend the actions, responsibilities and time-frames for activities to achieve the principles, targets and goals set out in the Canterbury Water Management Strategy (CWMS). Once developed, the community will also have an opportunity to provide feedback on the draft ZIP before it is submitted to councils. The zone committee expects to be calling for feedback on its draft ZIP in early 2012. Since forming in late 2010 the Upper Waitaki Zone Committee has had numerous committee meetings, briefings from technical experts, field trips around the district, as well as meetings with stakeholders to gauge the range of views on water management issues in the zone. The zone committee is a joint committee of Environment Canterbury and the Waitaki and Mackenzie District councils. The zone covers the entire Waitaki catchment above the Waitaki dam. Community meeting details Monday 28 November 7-9pm: The Wrinkly Rams, 24-30 Omarama Avenue, Omarama