Local bill to be progressed by CODC

Following discussions at their meeting today, Central Otago District Council has agreed to progress developing a Local Bill to support future water management in the district.

The Local Bill would define a minimum flow rate for the Manuherekia River – the level below which water users must stop taking from the river. This would in turn allow decisions to be made on the remediation or rebuild of Falls Dam, which is nearing the end of its life.

A minimum flow rate for the Manuherekia has been unresolved since 2015, with the Otago Regional Council unable to reach a decision through the current Resource Management Act planning process. A Local Bill to Parliament would allow CODC to provide a definitive answer outside of that process.

Mayor Tamah Alley and Deputy Mayor Tracey Paterson both declared conflicts of interest and did not take part in the discussion or vote.

Councillor Stu Duncan led the discussion, noting that council had the opportunity to resolve a long-standing issue for the district.

Following the meeting, he said, “This has been unresolved for too long, and it's time to move forward. There's still a lot of work ahead, but this gives us a real pathway to sort it out and secure the future of a catchment that matters deeply to Central Otago.”

One outcome of the Local Bill – if introduced – is greater certainty of water supply for communities along the river. By setting a minimum flow, Council is better positioned to plan for future growth in towns that rely on the Manuherekia for water, including Omakau and Ophir.

Progressing the Local Bill through Parliament is expected to take up to two years and cost between $190,000 and $250,000 plus GST. While this hasn't been budgeted for, funding may be covered through legal land access arrangements negotiated by Santana Minerals for the proposed Bendigo-Ophir gold mine. Other parties, including irrigation company Manuherekia River Ltd, who has been noted as a key stakeholder, may also contribute to costs.

Over the next two months, Council will confirm this is the correct process, while also meeting with key stakeholders and partners and liaising with the Parliamentary Counsel Office on the legislative pathway ahead.

Before the draft Bill can be submitted, Council will need to confirm a recommended flow rate. This will involve a significant engagement and consultation process to help inform that decision.