Wanganui asked for views on flood protection
Residents of Wanganui are being asked for their thoughts on the next stage of flood protection for their community.
In 2009, following extensive consultation with the community, Horizons Regional Council began a staged programme of works to protect Wanganui from a 200-year flood. Estimates put the flood damage cost of this scale of event at $141.4 million.
Last year saw the completion of the first stage of work in the Balgownie area, which protects the industrial hub of Wanganui. The Balgownie works have taken two years to complete and consist of 3.3 km of new stopbanking, flood walls and temporary barriers.
Horizons is now seeking the community's input prior to putting a formal proposal in their long-term plan due to be released in March this year. The Kowhai Park/Anzac Parade and Putiki areas are the next in line for flood protection.
This stage involves new stopbanks at Putiki as well as through Kowhai Park and the arboretum area between Young Street and Georgetti Road.
Horizons operations manager Allan Cook said that the works would be carefully designed to minimise impacts on the arboretum and park.
This stage would reduce the flood risk and consequent social and economic disruption to the community’s park, arboretum, Putiki, and more than 100 homes at a cost of around $4.8 million.
Horizons’ Chair of Catchment Operations, councillor Murray Guy said that now is an important time for residents to voice their views on what the community's priority for further work is.
"We want to hear Wanganui residents’ views on the next stage of the flood protection work, how quickly they want us to complete it, or if they even want it completed," said Cr Guy.
Cr Guy said that Wanganui ratepayers would soon be receiving a newsletter outlining the next possible steps.
"We have an opportunity going into our 10 year plan to modify the proposed protection works for Wanganui. As such we are asking for feedback on whether the community wants us to continue with the programme, at what pace and how this should be funded," said Cr Guy.
“The feedback we get from the community will shape the proposal that is put forward to council as part of the long term plan.”
Wanganui’s Mayor Annette Main said: “The risk of flooding in these areas from the Whanganui River is well-known and many Wanganui residents will remember the floods that inundated houses on Anzac Parade and prevented access to parts of our city.
“Please take the time to read the newsletter when you receive it, to ask your questions at one of the public meetings, and to provide your feedback on the proposed works.
“Wanganui residents’ input will be important to help Horizons to decide when, or whether, this protection work should be undertaken.”
Horizons will be holding community meetings in the Anzac parade and Putiki areas. Anyone wanting more information should click here or call 0508 800 800.
