Community feedback sought on Forrester Height’s future

Published on 29 March 2022

Starting this Friday, Waitaki District Council will be seeking feedback from the Waitaki community on the future of 2.5 hectares of land above Oamaru Harbour, known as Forrester Heights.

Confirmation of the timeframe for consulting the community follows a decision made at a Council meeting late last year, where a report highlighted growing interest from several parties in purchasing and developing the Forrester Heights land.

Waitaki District Council Chief Executive, Alex Parmley, said there had also recently been a proposal from within the community to turn Forrester Heights into a Reserve.

“There is a high level of interest in Forrester Heights, and we’ve already heard feedback from some members of the community on what the land should be used for. Council now wants to hear the wider community’s views before deciding on the land’s future.”

Mr Parmley said much of the land at Forrester Heights was legally classified as Endowment, meaning it was originally provided to “aid borough funds” for the benefit of the community.

“Essentially, the land was designated to make money. Although the land’s current status is directed towards that particular purpose, it’s important we look at all options for using it for the community’s benefit, which range from making it a recreation area through to selling it for development and using the proceeds to invest in other projects that residents see as a priority.”

“Before making a decision, Council is keen to hear from as many people as possible because we know this is an important decision and that there is a diverse range of views in the community.”

Mr Parmley said the opportunity for the community to provide feedback would officially start on Friday and run through to Monday 16 May, with Council aiming to decide on Forrester Heights’s future by the end of June.

“It’s important everyone has an opportunity to consider the cost, benefits and risks of the options before giving their feedback, so that the final decision can be informed by the aspirations of the wider community,” he said.

Further information on options and how to provide feedback will be available from Friday on the Forrester Heights Consultation page on this website, at Council service centres and district libraries, and through local media.