Steady progress on flood protection upgrades

The programme includes three packages of projects in the Mataura, Invercargill and Waiau catchments. Environment Southland catchment operations manager Ramon Strong describes the work as a very important component of the Council’s climate resilience responsibilities.

“It’s an opportunity to make those parts of our flood protection networks more resilient and to reduce future costs on communities.”

In February 2020, record-breaking floodwaters came through the Mataura River catchment, testing our flood protection to capacity. Bevin Watt, who is the chair of the Mataura catchment liaison committee, believes upgrades in his catchment will benefit everyone.

“Protection for our rural town is important for townspeople and rural people because we all need a viable, non-flooded service centre,” he says.

There are eight catchment liaison committees and their role is to advise the Council on annual maintenance works and budgets to address land and drainage issues for river communities, taking a holistic, mountains to the sea approach.

Ramon says upgrading flood protection infrastructure is more complex than many people realise and while the programme is behind schedule, work is progressing.

“When you’re spending public money there is a lot of due process to follow. We’re being as systematic as we can, but big chunks of work can’t be done all at once.”

In addition to getting our flood defences upgraded, there are social benefits with 76 people gaining work on the projects, so far.

Ramon: “Without a doubt, this is positive for Southland.”

Projects and progress

Waiau

• Repairs following the 2019 flood – nearly complete

Mataura

• Extend stop bank at Boundary Creek upstream of Mataura township – done
• Raise stop banks at Mataura, Gore and Wyndham – survey and design work underway

Invercargill

• Raise stop banks on Waihopai River – survey and design work underway
• Otepuni/Kingswell – being assessed
• Replace pump house near Invercargill airport – two pumps ordered

You can read the full Envirosouth magazine as a PDF online here.