Recovery Roundup #33

Kia ora koutou, 

Welcome to issue #33 of Recovery Roundup. In this issue we hear from Buller District Council Chief Executive Officer, Sharon Mason, who responds to community concerns in regards to the mitigation options for Westport flood risk. 

BDC responds to community concerns:

“No final decisions have been made yet… The proposal presented by the TAG does not include protection structures for the Snodgrass Road area and we  acknowledge that this is of particular concern to people who live or own property in this area,” said Ms Mason. 

“The proposal, has been based on the expert advice of the TAG. This advice has identified that some degree of protection can be achieved by embankments around most of Westport, but that it is not possible to eliminate all risk for all properties. 

We will be seeking Government support for some situations where owners are unprotected, in particular the Snodgrass Road area. We can’t make promises on behalf of the Government, and there can be no guarantees, but we understand residents’ frustration and possible anxiety about this situation.” 

Read full media release on WCRC website here

Westport Rating District Joint Committee – Flood Protection Options / Recommendations:

The Westport Rating District Joint Committee (Joint Committee) received a report from the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) for the mitigation of the effects of Westport flood risks at their meeting on 8 June.

The TAG commissioned extensive climate change scenario, option and risk-assessment analysis by expert flood risk modelling and flood risk mitigation engineers and consultants. Using the findings of this work, the TAG has recommended a preferred structural and nature-based solution with estimated costs, design considerations, funding implications and related
process matters.

The Joint Committee accepted the recommendations of the TAG. 

Joint Committee Chair, Hugh McMillan, says the situation is complex but also longstanding;

“There has been a lot of work over a long period of time to find the optimal solution to manage the Buller River and the proposed solution we have in front of us now is supported by strong evidence.”

Read full media release here

All Welcome At The Community Hub

Almost two-thousand people have walked through the doors at Westport’s Community Hub since it opened in August last year.

People can talk to the Community Navigators who can help people navigate the numerous support available. … Read more