Community views will be sought soon for a 30-year plan being developed for Lakes Camp and Clearwater.

The plan is being developed by the Ashburton District Council and aims to represent the views of iwi, the community and Council. Feedback will be accepted from Wednesday 2 February until 5pm on Sunday 13 March.

Strategy and Compliance Group Manager Jane Donaldson said consultation would help Council understand people’s hopes for the future of the area.

“Lakes Camp and Clearwater are a popular spot for hutholders and visitors, but reports show that Lake Clearwater is currently in a fragile state and that its water quality is declining. We want to make sure the environmental health of the whole area improves and control the impact of future development.

“We all want to see the area protected for the enjoyment of current and future generations, and how we get there will require everyone to play their part, including Council.”

Lake Clearwater is at risk of flipping, meaning it could reach a point of degradation that is difficult to reverse. As part of an inquiry into why the water quality is reducing, Council told hutholders in April 2021 that long drop toilets in the village would need to be decommissioned by 31 December.

There were also concerns around the accuracy of leasehold boundaries of some sites.

“The Lake Clearwater village started out in the 1920s as a few baches for fishermen and picnickers, but now there are 180 dwellings, as well as a camping ground and public toilets,” Ms Donaldson said.

“The area and number of users has grown and that has placed stress on the surrounding environment.

“The increasing popularity of the area, and the environmental degradation occurring, suggests that it is timely to discuss the community’s future aspirations for the area.

“The plan will not be a magic fix-all, but Council wants to do what it can to ensure the area is in a condition for future generations to enjoy too.”

Council will work on the 30-year plan with Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua and Ngāi Tahu, who have significant interest in the area, Environment Canterbury, the Department of Conservation, Land Information New Zealand and Lake Clearwater Hutholders Association and bach owners.

Feedback gathered between 2 February and 13 March will be followed by a public hearing and workshop on 13 April, and then a development plan will be drafted. Council will consult with key stakeholders about the draft plan and it is expected to be adopted on 15 June.

Council will be hosting a drop-in information session at the huts' playground on Saturday 5 February, from 10am until 2pm.

Keep up to date and have your say on our consultations page.