About the project

Selwyn District Council manages the drainage/waterway system in the Ararira-LII catchment. They also own and manage Yarrs Lagoon, which plays an important role in the catchment and is a key biodiversity site. Living Water is supporting Selwyn District Council to intensify the focus on waterway and lagoon management by co-funding a Biodiversity Coordinator and contributing to baseline environmental assessments to support restoration planning.

The co-funding of a specialist position will improve environmental outcomes by increasing local government capacity and capability in land and water management.

Benefits

• Restoration of Yarrs Lagoon
• Increased environmental management of the drainage and water network
• Building environmental capacity and capability in local government

Progress

• A Memorandum of Understanding and grant to Selwyn District Council has been approved from 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2018
• Baseline environmental assessment work has been completed to support the development of a Yarrs Lagoon Restoration Plan
• The Biodiversity Coordinator is working alongside Living Water Site Lead to progress waterway restoration initiatives across the catchment