US watchdog kept in loop on dams

Central Otago conservationists continue to liaise with a United States environmental watchdog about Contact Energy's plans to review four proposals for dams along the Clutha River.

The Clutha Mata-Au River Parkway group, a conservation project opposed to development along the river, has proposed a meeting to discuss the dam proposals. International Rivers, an independent California-based environmental protection group, described Contact Energy's proposals for dams at Tuapeka Mouth, Beaumont, Queensberry or Luggate as potentially "river-wrecking".

At a Vincent Community Board meeting this month Clutha Mata-Au River Parkway secretary Barrie Wills said a meeting was being considered "to gauge opinion for or against" the dam proposals.

Mr Wills said a date or venue for the meeting had not been set but the group continued to liaise with the US organisation.

He said he did not know if International Rivers would send a representative to New Zealand.

Contact Energy's hydro project manager Neil Gillespie said there had been no correspondence with International Rivers or the Clutha group.

- © Fairfax NZ News