Lake Whakatipu natural hazards feedback wanted

People are being asked to give their feedback on the Draft Head of Lake Whakatipu Natural Hazards Adaptation Strategy, which seeks to enhance community resilience, safety and wellbeing.

On Wednesday, Otago Regional Council endorsed the use of a Draft Strategy for public feedback and the document is now open for consultation. The documents released include the full Draft Strategy document and a summary report which includes a feedback survey.

ORC co-chair of the Safety and Resilience Committee Alan Somerville says he really encourages people to read the Draft Strategy and get involved in this feedback process.

“We have taken the community along on every step of this journey, and it is now time to see how everyone is feeling at this point. The Draft Strategy outlines five goals with specific objectives to help achieve this vision, as well as an action plan and activities, and future potential responses to support the community to adapt to natural hazard risks and climate change impacts.”

Safety and Resilience Committee co-chair Gary Kelliher says people can respond to as many or as few questions as they like.

“We encourage them to explain their answers wherever possible so we can see things from their point of view. We’re really looking forward to hearing back from the community.”

The feedback period ends on February 23, with the first iteration of the strategy is expected to be finalised in early 2025, with timing subject to the feedback on the draft documents.

ORC’s Natural Hazards team will be coming back to Glenorchy to have face to face conversations with the community on February 13 and 14.

The Draft Strategy is available online at www.orc.govt.nz/holwfeedback.

Main photo ( supplied / ORC) : The view from the Dart riverbank at Kinloch.