An Otago Regional Council application for government funding to help people in the Manuherikia Valley northeast of Alexandra investigate water development has been successful.
The council had got up to $72,500 from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries' community irrigation fund, Cr Gretchen Robertson told a natural resources committee meeting this week. "It means the community can get together cohesively and collaboratively around water management."
The funding, 50% of the cost of the 18-month project, would appraise the total available water resource for the catchment and the demand for water, and provide water-users with options on how best to use the available water.
"The council will invest heavily as well and will work with the Central Otago District Council."
A long-term management strategy would eventually be developed.
