ORC adopts 2012 Flood Protection Management Bylaw

The Otago Regional Council (ORC) adopted the Flood Protection Management Bylaw 2012 on 8 August 2012. The new bylaw comes into operation on 1 September 2012 and replaces the former 2008 bylaw.

The new bylaw manages, regulates and protects the effective operation and integrity of flood protection works owned by, or under the control of ORC. Flood protection works include the following features, as mapped in the bylaw: drains, overland flow paths, floodbanks, floodways, groynes, cross-banks, and anchored tree protection.

ORC director policy and resource planning Fraser McRae said the bylaw is only intended to control activities which may affect the integrity or operation of flood protection works.

“Anyone owning property near ORC flood protection works should become familiar with the bylaw as it could have some impact on what they do with parts of their land,” Mr McRae said.

The bylaw lists activities which require approval if undertaken on or near flood protection works, as they could adversely affect scheme operation or integrity.

These activities include but are not limited to:

• Alteration of works
• Tree planting
• Construction of structures
• Dumping and depositing material
• Obstruction of works
• Removal, interference, or operation of machinery and equipment
• Excavation

The areas that the 2012 bylaw relates to are:

• Lower Clutha
• Tokomairiro
• Lower, East and West Taieri
• Leith Lindsay
• Hilderthorpe
• Waitaki
• Alexandra

Copies of the bylaw  can be viewed or obtained from: ORC offices at:
70 Stafford Street, Dunedin   
Dunorling Street, Alexandra
The Station, First Floor, Cnr Shotover and Camp Streets, Queenstown
Or view on ORC website www.orc.govt.nz