Now consulting on flood protection bylaw
Feedback on the proposed Flood Protection and Drainage Management Bylaw is now open. The proposed bylaw aims to manage and protect the integrity of Environment Southland’s assets like flood banks, detention dams, bridges, culverts and tide gate structures which all assist in controlling flooding.
Maintaining and improving flood protection infrastructure is an important part of Environment Southland’s work. Through our comprehensive annual maintenance programme, we look after Southland’s 458 kilometres of flood banks that protect people, property and livelihoods.
Environment Southland’s policy and planning manager Lucy Hicks says the bylaw, which has been reviewed, will essentially restrict the types of activities that can happen in a floodway or near flood banks, such as construction.
“The proposed bylaw will not restrict all development within a floodway or near flood banks, but it does give Council the ability to base its decisions on the effects of a proposal before granting an authority for the activity. This process is similar to a simplified consent application.”
Public submissions are open from 7 October through to 8 November. Submissions can be made in writing or online. Submit your views here: www.haveyoursay.es.govt.nz/flood-protection-and-drainage-management-bylaw
A summary, statement of proposal and the proposed bylaw are available for download.
Environment Southland manages flood banks across Southland in the following catchments:
- Mataura 113 km
- Oreti 181 km
- Makarewa 18 km
- Aparima 88 km
- Te Anau 22 km
- Invercargill 36 km
