Hawke's Bay Regional Council is reminding residents that public submissions on the council's plan to invest in the Ruataniwha water storage scheme close next Tuesday.
The council is considering whether or not to invest $80 million of ratepayers money in the scheme that could irrigate 25,000 hectares of central Hawke's Bay farmland.
The proposed Ruataniwha dam site. Photo: SUPPLIED
Over the past two weeks nearly 500 people have attended public consultation meetings held throughout the region and council chairman Fenton Wilson said most people had been in favour.
"It's generally positive, I don't think there's been a meeting where there hasn't been a majority at least saying they support the idea of storing water in the winter and using it in the summer. I mean it's a pretty basic premise and it makes sound sense both for the environment and ultimately for the economy of the region.
Some people will never shift their view that they're against whatever happens and that's their prerogative and I respect that you know."
Mr Wilson said information on making a submission can be found on the council's website.
