David Bruce

The Waitaki District Council wants to keep its youth council going because it believes it has a valuable role to play in providing the views of young people.

Oamaru has lost one of its Thames St elm trees, which had to be removed because it had been too badly damaged by high winds to survive.

A proposal to build a $100 million milk processing plant near Glenavy will be considered at a two-day hearing in Waimate on December 21 and 22.

A fourth car has been set alight in Kurow as police investigate a series of alleged arson attacks on vehicles since Wednesday night in the town.

A 38-year-old Oamaru man faces four charges after the Dunedin armed offenders squad was called out to Oamaru on Thursday night.

Arson attacks on three cars in Kurow on Wednesday night have prompted an appeal from police for the local community to help with information.

The Waitaki District Council has itself been caught with an illegal water connection in an investigation intended to catch people stealing water.

Two problem water supplies which have permanent "boil water" notices may be brought forward for upgrading by the Waitaki District Council.

A $630,000 project to stabilise Haven St in Moeraki would go ahead, even though there was no guarantee of success, the Waitaki District Council assets committee decided yesterday.

Waitaki district sports facilities could undergo their first major transformation in about 40 years if the Waitaki District Council decides to carry out a feasibility study into their future.

Environment Canterbury warns a toxic algae suspected of having caused the death of a dog last summer could be reoccurring in some rivers after recent warm, dry weather.

Minister for the Environment Nick Smith was given a wide range of environmental issues to chew on from the about 70 people who attended a National Party Bluegreen Forum at Totara School Hall on Saturday.

About 50 people gathered on an island in the middle of the Waitaki River on Saturday to "celebrate the magnificence" of the Waitaki River.

Residents, including pupils from three North Otago primary schools, will be able to tell Minister for the Environment Nick Smith about their environmental concerns at a forum at Totara School today.

Omarama has moved quickly to implement a temporary liquor ban over Christmas and New Year, only days after the Waitaki District Council implemented the power in a review of its Liquor Ban Bylaw.

Salmon numbers in the Waitaki River could get a boost through two projects planned by the Central South Island Fish and Game Council to start a salmon-enhancement programme.

The Waitaki District Council is considering delaying upgrading some water supplies now the Government has extended the deadline to meet new drinking water standards.