Local residents expressing anger as retailer plans to extend business operations near Lake Hāwea
In a public meeting attended by nearly 300 people, concerns were raised about a proposal by Contact Energy to lower the minimum operating level of Lake Hāwea. The meeting, organised by local farmer Erynne Fildes, raised questions about the potential impacts on the community and its drinking water.
Hāwea Flat resident Rachel Brown questioned whether residents should have to trade access to drinking water for electricity. Her concerns are rooted in a 2023 report that found if Lake Hāwea's water level drops to 330m, it could disconnect the lake from the aquifer, causing a substantial decline in groundwater levels and the failure of many bores.
Contact Energy plans to work with experts to carefully weigh up the benefits and risks of the proposal. The company has proposed lowering the minimum operating level of Lake Hāwea from 338m to 336m, and in extreme circumstances, as low as 330m.
However, Otago Regional Councillor Michael Laws pledged to stand against the proposal, while Queenstown Lakes District Councillors Cody Tucker and Niki Gladding also spoke against it, expressing concerns about potential detrimental impacts.
Brindson, Head of Hydro Generation at Contact Energy, urged the community to work with his company, not against it. He assured residents that depriving them of their drinking water would not happen. The proposal aims to boost renewable energy generation and help safeguard electricity supply.
If Contact Energy proceeds with a substantive application, they will work closely with local communities and stakeholders throughout the process. The company has asked Minister for Infrastructure Chris Bishop to consider if its proposal qualifies for the fast-track approvals process. The government received a referral application from Contact Energy in June to enter the proposal into the fast-track consenting process.
The person who submitted the application to the government to include Contact Energy's proposal to lower the water level of Lake Hāwea in the fast-track approval process is Kyle Watson. ORC's general manager environmental delivery, Joanna Gilroy, confirmed the council had flagged the 2023 drinking water report with Contact Energy.
Local farmer Jerry Rowley mentioned a 'unmitigated disaster' from a lake level drop in the 1970s that caused widespread dust storms and a 'scene of desolation.' Boyd Brindson, Head of Hydro Generation at Contact Energy, compared the proposal to an 'insurance policy' for New Zealand's electricity supply.
As the community awaits a decision, the debate continues about the balance between renewable energy generation and the protection of drinking water and local ecosystems.
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