Ashburton District Councillors have decided not to pursue resource consents to divert water from Balmacaan Stream to Lake Camp, in the Ashburton Lakes area.

The lake is low after a dry few years and Council had been asked by Clearwater hutholders to take action. Councillors called for a report to look at the costs and implications of applying for resource consent, and then voted 6-4 at their meeting yesterday for not going ahead with the consent application.

Mayor Neil Brown said water levels in the lake had fluctuated widely in past decades.

“We have been told by scientists that Nature is taking its course and the report by Council officers makes it clear that we could spend a significant amount of money pursuing consents, and still not get the water we seek.

“Environment Canterbury’s Land and Water Regional Plan also makes it clear that any consent to take water from the Ashburton River catchment would be tied to minimum flows at the State Highway 1 bridge, and that creates a lot of uncertainty.

“Councillors had a robust debate about our responsibilities and how much money it might cost and, in the end, voted not to progress any consent.”

The Mayor said Council’s decision did not preclude any other organisation from applying for consents.

“We know this area is special to many people, and while some will be disappointed with our decision, it is a sensible one. It is good to see that water levels at Lake Camp have been quietly rising over the past month on the back of rain, and a wetter La Nina-like climate is forecast in the coming months.”

The report for Councillors said pre-application and lodgement costs of a consent would be about $266,000, plus the cost of hearings, another $216,000. If consent was granted, infrastructure and ongoing monitoring and compliance costs would be another $200,000.

More costs would be incurred if the consent decision was appealed.

The pre-application costs would cover technical reports, including hydrological, ecological and engineering assessments, and a cultural report, given the importance of Otuwharakei Ashburton Lakes for mana whenua. A lizard assessment may also be needed.