Environment Southland is engaged in projects to help ensure vulnerable towns in our region are more resilient for the future. In Waihōpai Invercargill, we are collaborating with Invercargill City Council on projects to bolster the city's flood protection in response to a changing climate. These projects will build greater resiliency in the face of climate change for our communities and critical infrastructure.
Investment in climate resilience
River management and flood protection schemes are why many New Zealanders do not face the full consequences of damaging flood events; the most frequent natural hazard experienced in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The flood protection and control schemes maintained by Environment Southland have served communities in Murihiku Southland well for more than 30 years. This investment has allowed growth and encouraged investment in the region.
However, the intensity and frequency of climate change-induced weather events are placing stress on the integrity and risk-reduction capability of these structures.
It's now time to invest in our region's flood protection networks.
The good news is that we are working together with Government and other territorial authorities to respond to the challenges faced by our communities due to the impacts of climate change.
Our Resilient River Communities projects are part of a national programme of work announced in 2020. These projects are providing critical upgrades to parts of Murihiku Southland's flood defences with the help of funding from the Kānoa - Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit to Environment Southland to the tune of $13.875 million.
Environment Southland's Resilient River Communities projects also aim to lift regional employment and provide a much-needed boost for the local economy.
Other climate resilience projects are part of our Long-term Plan to build greater resilience to the impacts of climate change across the region.
