Water decision soon

A DECISION on Meridian Energy's north bank tunnel proposal on the Waitaki River is likely at the end of the month.

Speaking to the Waimate District Council yesterday, Meridian's Brian Elwood and Mark France said a decision on the water consent for the tunnel project was eagerly awaited. The decision had been given priority by the commissioner, after more than a year's wait. They are hopeful a decision will be made by late November and expects the Hunter Downs Irrigation water consent decision to be made in March.

"We can't progress until there is a decision, that is the Resource Management Act," Mr Elwood said.

The hearing for the water consent north bank tunnel was held through August-October last year - the Hunter Downs hearings finished in December last year.

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