A new irrigation and domestic water scheme drawing water from Lake Dunstan and covering 3000ha would have district-wide benefits, the Central Otago District Council was told yesterday.
The Manuherikia Irrigation Co-operative Society sought $40,000 from the council towards a $160,000 feasibility study.
The council agreed to provide $20,000 and referred the request for the remaining funds to the Vincent Community Board.
Society vice-chairman Gary Kelliher said the region was one of the driest in the country so greater emphasis was placed on the management of water resources.
"The existing irrigation schemes have served their communities well for 80 years. However, changing times and attitudes towards water use are placing constraints on their capabilities," he said.
The scheme would take water from Lake Dunstan, cover about 3000ha and included the existing Manuherikia and Galloway irrigation schemes.
It would have a guaranteed water supply from a reliable source, with substantial storage.
He said the scheme would relieve pressure on the Manuherikia River and had the potential to provide a new source of domestic water for Alexandra, Clyde and Springvale residents.
"The Lake Dunstan scheme would be a community asset."
Council business development manager Jonathan Gadd said the scheme would cover one of the most densely populated parts of Central Otago.
Mayor Malcolm Macpherson said it had "district-wide and even regional-wide implications. It goes beyond the Vincent ward".
