Three Central Otago environmental-linked projects have received funding support from the Otago Regional Council (ORC) in the past financial year.

The funding was being used toward consenting and monitoring costs, among the $50,000 pool.

ORC’s manager consents Alexandra King said they have been promoting the consent fund when working with people on projects in general, and were really pleased that all nine applicants were successful.

Under the annual Consents Fee Support Fund, ORC can waive the cost for consent fees up to $10,000 per application, and if they are then compliant with consent conditions, their compliance fees can also be waived.

Alexandra highlighted that it is often individuals, community and catchment groups involved in environmental enhancement projects, such as wetland restoration, waterways fencing, riparian planting or creating walkways which 

may require resource consents.

“There are amazing people doing great work across Otago and it’s important that we’re able to assist these largely community-lead projects, which are ultimately beneficial to the well-being of the environment, its eco-systems and for the people of Otago,” she said.

The Manuherekia Catchment Group was granted $3808 for a variation to the Thomson’s Creek project - phase three, to construct fish barriers and glaxiid protection.

Hawksburn Station (Earnscleugh) was granted $6075 to remove willow from banks for the purpose of stream restoration, and the Ida Valley Catchment Group $2198 for willow removal in the Poolburn Gorge.

There is a total $50,000 available each year, with a maximum of $10,000 per project to cover consent processing fees for projects meeting certain criteria.

Alexandra said part of the policy is that anyone seeking processing fees support must have a pre-application meeting with a member of ORC’s consents team to discuss the application.

To be eligible for funding, applicants must be able to demonstrate their project will provide an environmental benefit or service and is not intended for private commercial gain, among other criteria.