This project will upgrade flow control structures for the lagoon and assist with flood management around the lagoon area, whilst protecting its natural and cultural values. The upgraded flow management structures will improve flow during flood events and provide a more sustainable habitat for local wildlife, such as native fish.
The Lake Tuakitoto Wetland complex is a part of catchment serviced by the Lower Clutha Flood Protection and Drainage Scheme.
The structures which form part of the Lower Clutha flood protection and drainage scheme in the vicinity of Robson Lagoon assist with the drainage of the land adjacent to the northern end of the Lake Tuakitoto Wetland. The project will improve the operation of these structures to better allow drainage without affecting the wetland’s ecosystem, and preserving recreation use and cultural values of the wetland.
Consultation with Aukaha Limited as representatives for mana whenua for the area was undertaken in conjunction with the consultation with other key stakeholders (Department of Conservation and Otago Fish and Game).
A meeting was held in April 2018 to refine details and work through a set of conditions to ensure that all stakeholders could be confident that the impacts of the works could be avoided, remedied or mitigated. This led to an iterative process, and within 6 months of this meeting all parties were able to agree a set of conditions that appropriately managed potential impacts, largely relating to gathering and providing monitoring data as required. This set of conditions was then offered to the consent authority in conjunction with the written approvals of these agencies.
The project is planned for completion in Autumn 2023. Work within the wetland is restricted to an eight-week window in January and February of each year.
Source:
https://www.orc.govt.nz/news-and-events/events/2021/march/lower-clutha-flood-protection-works