Consultants working on the Cold Gold Clutha Dredge proposal are confident they have been able to adequately resolve any issues relating to the planned operation near Luggate.

A hearing about a month ago by the Otago Regional Council (ORC) in Alexandra adjourned after two days and the client was submitting its final report this week.

Many submitters were opposed to the operation moving from near the Tuapeka Mouth where the dredge had been working for the past 10 years, to the Upper Clutha, south of the Luggate Bridge.

Land use, water and discharge permits were needed to suction dredge the Clutha Mata-Au, and the applicant had applied for a seven-year consent.

Expert witnesses believed the project had significant environmental shortfalls, there were concerns about the effects of suction dredging on cultural values, and also how it would impact the natural ecology of the river. 

Thirty-six people submitted against the proposal, but the applicant also put forward a strong case being led by Terramark Ltd.

Planning manager Darryl Sycamore said this week they had been working with the harbourmasters, “and it is our expectation the navigation and safety issues can be resolved to address the concerns raised by submitters.”

While the applicant commissioned a cultural impact assessment, Aukaha advised that inadequate information had been provided to mana whenua to assess whether the proposal provided for cultural values, including the mauri of the water (ecology, biodiversity and archaeology.)

Darryl said the evidence of the runaka representatives was considered and they were working through a response to their concerns.

There were also issues from submitters about the dredge being located in the middle of the river, as it was very limited in its response to move away from other vessels.

The river was considerably narrower than the lower Clutha River and could restrict other vessels.

Consultant planner for the ORC recommended the application be declined and a final decision will be made by the end of January.