“The time for talking is over and the time for action is now.’’
That’s how Ashburton District Council strategy and policy manager, Toni Durham, summed up the view of those involved in the Lake Camp and Lake Clearwater 30-year plan.
The council has adopted the plan, which aims to reverse the degradation of Lake Clearwater/Te Puna a Taka, protect the character of the area, and ensure collaboration to achieve it.
Reports show that Lake Clearwater is in a fragile state and its water quality is declining to the point that it is at risk of flipping – a scientific term to describe the transition of lakes from weed-dominated to algae-dominated.
If the lake flips, it will have severe impacts on biodiversity, and the overall environmental health and recreational values of the area.
The 30-year plan was focused on ensuring that doesn’t happen and Durham said the challenge was the conflicting issues of the various parties, but they all have one goal.
“Everyone is using it for different purposes.
“But the ultimate long-term goal is to protect the water quality.”
The plan’s purpose was to ensure appropriate action was taken promptly and it would guide funding decisions for annual budgeting processes.
Four goals had been outlined, plus the actions planned to be undertaken to achieve them.
In preparing the plan, the consultation process received 153 submissions, of which 53 per cent were bach owners.
The development of the plan also utilised work undertaken by the multi-layered Ashburton Lakes working group, which was made up of surrounding landowners, iwi and local Government organisations.
While the council has signed off its 30-year plan for Lake Camp/Otautari and Lake Clearwater, the working group was also developing an action plan that was expected to be completed by next June.

• By Jonathan Leask