Most of the submissions received on opening Waituna Lagoon to the sea are against the proposal.
A statement was released yesterday by the applicants Te Rūnanga o Awarua, the Department of Conservation, and Environment Southland. They want to establish a regime for the management of water levels in the lagoon.
The lagoon is part of the Awarua-Waituna wetland complex and recognised as a wetland of international significance.
Of the 50 submissions received, eight were in support, one was neutral, and 41 were opposed to the application. The co-applicants will now take time to assess the submissions and consider next steps.
An independent commissioner or commissioners will be appointed in due course to hear and determine the resource consent application.
The lagoon was opened to the sea at the start of the year due to an outbreak of toxic algae cyanobacteria.
