Ashburton District Councillors have directed staff to prepare a report to understand the costs and implications of pursuing a consent to divert water from Balmacaan Stream into Lake Camp.

The lake currently has low levels and hutholders are concerned, saying the lake was once topped up by a diversion consent held by Fish and Game but that had been relinquished.

Environment Canterbury and the Department of Conservation say nature is taking its course, and low water levels are the result of an extremely dry period, with no rain.

Hutholders want Council to apply for a new consent, but councillors decided on Tuesday they wanted more information before going down that path.

Mayor Neil Brown said the report would help councillors understand the ramifications and risks of pursuing a consent, before making any decision.

“We expect it will take staff about a month to do the report, and it will reference costs and information we would likely have to supply to support any consent application.

“We know Ecan would expect hydrological reports and DOC has said a permit would be needed to rebuild the diversion, which is partly on their land. At our workshop last week, we also heard the area could be home to a rare skink, so a lizard management report could be needed.

“Lake Camp is an area we all value, and the report will help council decide its next step.”