Councils launch project for long term flood defence

Whakatane District Council will be working closely with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council to monitor and manage streams and river catchments that are known to cause flooding in urban areas in the District. This project aims to establish a long term solution to minimise flood damage.

The Council’s Works and Services Director Haydn Read, said land use in the upper catchments impacts river and stream flows and the amount of debris and sediment carried downstream.

“Unfortunately there is no quick-fix to help reduce flooding. It’s important that we consult carefully with landowners in catchments and key organisations to ensure the best long-term solutions are put in place.”

Erosion protection works carried out in the past, and design solutions to meet these catchments impacts have been done on an ad-hoc site by site basis. The project aims to firstly focus catchments in the Whakatane and Ohope areas, and will prioritise work based on the level of risk.

Stream and river catchments included in the project are; Mahy, Millers, Wharekura and Maraetotara streams in Ohope; Waiewe and Wainui te Whara streams in Whakatane; and escarpments above Whakatane and Ohope.

Council will also look further afield in t an endeavour to map other areas of risk throughout the district in the future.

For more information about this project please contact the Whakatane District Council on 07 306 0500.