Draft plan for future of Lake Te Koo Utu to go out for feedback
A draft concept plan proposing significant improvements to Lake Te Koo Utu and the surrounding reserve will go out to the community for comment.
The plan proposes a wetland area at the lake’s western end to help remedy water quality issues, a boardwalk across the water with educational signage, restorative planting, a playground and upgraded walkways and entrances to the reserve.
It will go out for public consultation in May and residents will have 8 weeks to have their say on the draft concept.
Waipā District Council community services manager Sally Sheedy said the plan was a long-term vision for the future of Lake Te Koo Utu aiming to build a legacy for Cambridge.
“Last year we asked Cambridge residents what they wanted for the future of Cambridge. Improving the natural health of the lake and telling its history emerged as a top priority.
“We went away and worked with landscape architects, ecologists and engineers, our mana whenua partners and community groups to create this draft concept plan. Now we’d like to know what our community has to say.”
If formally adopted, implementation will be considered during the upcoming 2021-2031 10-year plan process alongside other Council priorities. The draft concept plan is aspiration, so implementation will be long term.
Sheedy said a key consideration in the design of the concept plan was addressing Lake Te Koo Utu’s water quality issues.
“We have long had issues with the quality of the water, predominantly due to three stormwater catchments that funnel water from the surrounding residential and commercial areas into it.
“The water contains sediments, which are generally contaminated, and over time these sediments have settled in the water, compromising its quality,” she said.
“Unfortunately there is no easy fix. However, we have made several proposals in the draft plan which, over time, would see improved water quality.”
Other key considerations included acknowledging the deep spiritual ties mana whenua have to the reserve and telling that history.
Waipā District Council mayor Jim Mylchreest said it was fantastic to have the draft going out for community feedback.
“After many years there appears to be support to improve the quality of the lake water and to develop the environs for the cultural and recreational benefits of the community.”
Consultation on the plan will open on Monday May 18 until 13 July. Feedback will then be considered and presented to Council. A month from then, Council will decide on what parts of the plan might proceed and if so, how they would be funded.
A self-guided tour will be installed at around the lake in the coming weeks to showcase the proposed ideas. From May 18, an interactive map will also be available on our website along with an online survey for residents to have their say.