Resource consent applications are being finalised for the new Kawarau Arm boardwalk, and Contact Energy will also complete trial plantings this Spring to see what is suitable for the hydro lake environment around Old Cromwell.

The company expected to start the construction phase of the project in early 2026, once consents were granted and the design completed, including land reclamation, a jetty extension, boardwalk development and planting.

Contact Energy said one of the landscaping challenges was to plant species that could withstand and thrive in the unusual environment of fluctuating water levels of a hydro lake.

 “This will be considered during the choice of species being developed with mana whenua and ecologists; to test this we intend to complete trial planting this spring to understand if the species identified are appropriate for the intended area.”

The beautification project around the Old Cromwell area was in line with Contact’s consent conditions, to mitigate adverse effects caused by its generation activities on Lake Dunstan and the wider Clutha catchment.

It has been accepted the lake is returning to becoming a braided river — a known consequence of the construction of the Clyde Dam -- which has caused sediment build-up and driftwood, affecting access to the boat ramps and jetties, along with weed and algae odour.

Head of hydro generation Blair Croall said they planned to lodge its resource consent applications for the beautification project in early July.

He said they were currently working on developing the applications and the process included engagement with key stakeholders and consenting authorities, as well as developing the design to enable construction.

“The Cromwell waterfront, a valued community asset where the town's history meets the beauty of nature, holds immense potential for rejuvenation and enrichment in response to the projected sedimentation in the Kawarau Arm of Lake Dunstan.”

https://centralapp.nz/NewsStory/old-cromwell-boardwalk-plans-progressing/67ad080ff7c709002d1a537a