In recent years, the state of the Kawarau arm has been an area of contention for Central Otago locals and lake users, with many pointing the finger at the energy giant and its Clyde Dam hydro-electric operation.
Sediment build-up and driftwood has affected access to the boat ramps and jetties, with algae, lake weed and silt creating a stench.
Yesterday, the Otago Regional Council, which issues resource consent for Contact Energy to operate on the Clutha River, issued a statement saying it had formally approved the electricity provider’s plan for managing landscape and visual amenity values along the Kawarau arm of Lake Dunstan.
The landscape and visual amenity management plan details how Contact Energy mitigates adverse effects caused by its generation activities on Lake Dunstan and the wider Clutha catchment.
A final version the plan for the Kawarau arm of Lake Dunstan was submitted to the Otago Regional Council in December and includes actions to improve biodiversity vegetation along the lake edge and a co-design project to enhance the Old Cromwell area.
ORC manager compliance Tami Sargeant said the targeted approach to focusing on existing recreational areas along the riverside should result in positive outcomes for the lake, its environment and the community.
The current amenity management plan consent condition only required Contact Energy to consult the regional council and the Central Otago District Council in the development of the plan; however, the company also engaged with representatives from Aukaha and Lake Dunstan Charitable Trust.
"It’s great that Contact Energy has sought feedback and incorporated the views of Aukaha, Linz, CODC and Lake Dunstan Charitable Trust," Ms Sargeant said.
Contact Energy head of generation hydro Boyd Brinsdon said the company was grateful for all the contributions.
"In line with our tikanga, we aim to be a good neighbour, which means respecting others and the natural resources where we operate so that future generations can enjoy [them]," he said.
Lake Dunstan Charitable Trust (LDCT) chairman Duncan Faulkner said the revised management plan would create" significant positive change".
"The LDCT trustees have lobbied relentlessly for several years to encourage Contact Energy to do more to manage the negative effects of the Clyde Dam on the Kawarau Arm.
"The trust is thankful to the local community for its support and is excited to monitor the improvements as the new plan is implemented," he said.
A review of the Contact Energy consent condition for the landscape and visual amenity plan was initiated in August 2022.
