Summary of proposals for water race closures. Including the closure process and public notices.

Summary of proposals for water race closures. Including the closure process and public notices.

Council receives a number of requests for closure of individual water races where they are no longer required. Closing a water race following the below process can take up to 6 months.

The following steps are required to be undertaken before a race can be closed:

  1. The initiator of the closure request should contact Council and ask for Surface Water Operations Engineer to discuss whether proposed race is appropriate for closure.
  2. You can alternatively email us at waterraces@selwyn.govt.nz and include a map of the location of the race you are wishing to close.
  3. The initiator of the closure request is required to co-ordinate with all affected land owners to provide the following documents to Council:
    1. Agreement to close water race form signed by all affected property owners – you will need agreement from a minimum of 80% of affected property owners in order to progress your application.
    2. A map showing the extent of the requested closure – a blank map will be provided by the Surface Water Operations Engineer
  4. The Infrastructure Group Manager considers the application and provides approval to proceed to public consultation
  5. Water race closure requests will be publicly advertised for a period of 3 weeks and key stake holders notified
  6. Council will hear any submissions made during public consultation period at the Council meeting following the closure of the public advertisement period.
  7. Council will then provide a decision on whether the race should be closed, taking into account the submissions from the public and report from the Surface Waters Engineer
  8. Details of the decision will be posted on the Council website and affected land owners will be informed
  9. If appropriate, salvage of aquatic life will be undertaken prior to race closure
  10. Physical water race closure will be undertaken in conjunction with the Council’s maintenance Contractor.
  11. Benefiting land owners will be liable for their share of the cost of closing the water race