Rotorua District Council (RDC) will shortly be seeking community views on options for sewage from East Rotoiti and Lake Rotoma communities.
The area covered is from Curtis Rd along SH 30 to the Rotoma Hills and including side roads. Kennedy Bay and Otautu Bay are not included.
In 2012 the attempt by RDC to obtain resource consent for its chosen scheme failed in the Environment Court.
RDC then made a fresh start with iwi and community groups. A steering Committee (RRSSC) was set up with Ian McLean as independent chair. Iwi, community organisations, local and central government authorities have worked closely together on the Committee.
The key objectives are better lake water quality and protection of public health. At the same time respect must be shown for cultural values and community wishes.
A Technical Advisory Group has considered a wide range of options to deal with sewage in the area. . A short-list of options has been determined. An evaluation of these will be publicised in mid-August. It will also then be on the RDC website www.rdc.govt.nz .
Meetings (hui) will be held to provide information and to hear views from iwi and other community groups. Details are:
- Saturday 26 July 2014 at Punawhakareira (Uenuku) Marae, Rotoiti, at 10.00 am
- Sunday 27th July 2014 at Rotoma Fire station, at 10.00am
- Sunday 3 August 2014 at Rotoiti Clubrooms at 10.00 am (Co-Chaired by Hilary Prior of LRCA)
Please tell your neighbours about these meetings.
The community will also be able to provide input through the RDC website or in writing.
The RRSSC will then make a recommendation to RDC on a preferred option. In order to retain the $4.46m subsidy from the Ministry of Health, RDC must select a preferred option by 30 September.
The future of your community and your lakes are at stake. You are invited to become involved.
Contacts: Ian McLean 021 435 845 or Greg Manzano 07 351 8204