A new clear, concise flood protection bylaw outlining added protection for flood protection works and flow paths on the Taieri and lower Waitaki River goes out for public comment today.
The proposed Flood Protection Management Bylaw 2012 aims to ensure "effective operation and integrity" of the Otago Regional Council's protection works and schemes.
It lists activities such as tree planting, construction or excavation, which require approval if done on or near flood protection works as they could adversely affect scheme operation or integrity.
The new bylaw also includes modified maps showing flood protection works and addition of works such as overland flow paths, channel floodways on the Taieri and groynes, cross-banks, anchored tree protection and plantings next to the lower Waitaki River.
Cr Michael Deaker said while the Local Government Act required the bylaw review, the council had taken the opportunity to "clarify, simplify and make it more user-friendly".
The public will have until June 5 to make submissions on the bylaw. A hearing was planned for July with a decision to be released in August.
