Submissions on the Central Plains Water Scheme have closed.

The Central Plains Water applications to Environment Canterbury for resource consents were notified in June 2006. Submissions closed August 2006.

Central Plains Water Trust and the Ashburton Community Water Trust have applied to Environment Canterbury to take up to 40 cubic meters per second (cumecs) of water from the Waimakariri River (Median Flow 89cumecs) and up to 40cumecs from the Rakaia River (median flow 159cumecs).

There were approx 1600 submissions to Ecan, 1400 in opposition. 800 submitters indicated they wished to be heard.

On 11 November 2006, the Central Plains Water applications for resource consents and designations to Selwyn District Council were notified. Submissions closed 29 January 2007.

Central Plains Water Ltd has applied to Selwyn District Council for Notices of Requirement. This means they plan to designate the land required to build the scheme. As this stage they have applied to designate land for the major scheme components ie the dam, the reservoir in the Waianiwaniwa Valley and land for the level headrace canal and intake structures. There were approx 500 submissions to Selwyn District Council.

The Hearing Commissioners are Chair Philip Milne, Bob Nixon, Raymond O`Callaghan and Andrew Fenemor.

For more information on designation and the resource consent process, check the Resource Management section of the Ministry for the Environment's website (www.mfe.govt.nz).