Substation paint, screening revisited

Aurora Energy is offering an improved landscaping plan and less reflective paint for an electricity substation it wants to build near the Hawea Whitewater Park in Camphill Rd, Hawea Flat.

Hawea River kayakers and mountain bikers were among those who made submissions against the Dunedin City Council-owned energy company's proposal at a notice of requirement hearing on July 24.

For the two kayaking organisations, landscape architect Anne Steven submitted the substation was an ''industrial-type'' facility that would be visible from the river corridor and silhouetted against the sky.

''This would compromise the natural and open characteristics of the river margins.''

She considered the substation would detract from the ambience of the river corridor and would impact on the recreational enjoyment of the whitewater park.

''It is not possible to mitigate the substation in this location and to ensure that it is in harmony with the landscape.''

Low-level planting might ''soften the edges'' but would do nothing to limit the impact of ''the bulk, height and density of the structures and associated lighting''.

She called for Aurora to find an alternative site.

On Friday, Aurora responded to points raised at the hearing with a right-of-reply by counsel Bridget Irving.

Ms Irving pointed out the site for the substation was not within the ''outstanding natural feature'' of the river or the river landscape.

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Substation paint, screening revisited