Public input sought to help develop Flood and Erosion Strategy

People wanting to provide feedback on a range of possible options for managing the flood and erosion risk around Lake Taupo need to get written responses returned within the next fortnight.

Two separate technical studies were released in March as a basis for initial informal consultation during development of a Lake Taupo Erosion and Flood Strategy. A discussion paper has also been distributed to encourage public feedback. It summarises the findings and recommendations in the technical studies and includes a brief questionnaire. The informal consultation period closes on Friday May 9. Responses to the questionnaire will be accepted up until Friday May 16.

The technical studies and discussion paper are available online at www.taupo.govt.nz  or www.ew.govt.nz . They are also available from Environment Waikato or Taupo District Council Offices and Taupo, Turangi and Mangakino libraries. Questionnaire responses may be e-mailed to abell@taupo.govt.nz  or posted to Angela Bell, Taupo District Council, Private Bag 2005, Taupo.

The erosion and flood studies and feedback from the public will be used to develop a Strategy for future management of the erosion and flood risk around the foreshore. An advisory group made up of representatives from key stakeholder organisations and ratepayer groups has also been formed to provide a forum for discussion and advice to Council officers during development of the Strategy. The Strategy, which is jointly funded by Taupo District Council and Environment Waikato, will clarify roles, responsibilities and funding and set out a timetable for implementing recommendations.

Manager Strategic Environmental Policy Nick Carroll said around 140 responses to the questionnaires in the Discussion Paper have already been returned. He said the written feedback and comments from people who attended open days in April and subsequent phone calls would be taken into account during development of the Strategy.

“The comments we receive will be extremely helpful in developing a Strategy. In the case of erosion public feedback reflects what people value about the lake shore and how they think erosion should be managed. Comments regarding projected 100 year flood levels indicate that there is some confusion over the different flood zones and that people want more information on how the new information might impact on their properties.”

A draft Lake Taupo Erosion and Flood Strategy is due for completion in late December. Members of the public will have further opportunity at that stage to comment on proposals. The final Strategy is due to be adopted in June 2009.