Friday, June 26, 2015

Initial assessment of economic impact

Authorities around the region have compiled an initial impact assessment for the Ministry of Civil Defence, putting the estimated cost of flood recovery at around $120 million.

Horizons regional recovery manager Ged Shirley says this early estimate includes social, built, and economic costs to business, but doesn’t include costs to the rural sector. This estimate is likely to be refined as further impacts come to light.

“There is some remarkable progress being made to restore access and infrastructure right across the Region,” Mr Shirley says.

“The rural sector assessment will take some time, as much of the land is still underwater or in isolated parts of the Region.

“We’re coordinating data collection for the Ministry of Primary Industries so indicative modeling can be undertaken based on rainfall intensities, inundation and models of slip-prone land. This modelling will consider impacts on sheep and beef, cropping, forestry and dairy and will be used to calculate the economic cost on the Primary Production Industry.
“It’s estimated that around 350,000 to 400,000 hectares of land was subject to high intensity rainfall and around 60,000 hectares was subject to various levels of inundation.

“Around half of the estimated cost of recovery will come from the Wanganui District, with approximately 25 percent from Rangitikei and the rest from around the Region.”

A State of Emergency is expected to remain in place for Wanganui for the next seven days. The welfare centre at Wanganui Girls’ College in Wanganui East will remain active from 8am to 7pm daily, with support agencies on-hand to assist with flood-related welfare needs.
“It’s pleasing to note that all isolated rural households have been contacted and everyone has the supplies they need for the weekend,” Mr Shirley says.

Good progress is also being made to open roads around the region. The latest information on road closures is available from www.nzta.govt.nzand local council websites. If you would like to make a contribution the account number is Westpac 03 0791 0355050 04. Over to you if you want to leave us your contact details and name as the reference.

Around 10-15mm of rain is forecast throughout the weekend. While this may hamper clean-up efforts by turning silt to sludge in places, it should not impact adversely on regional river systems.

Lifeline utility operators, district councils, and landowners have been advised that any remedial works that need to be carried out urgently and immediately can be conducted under section 330 of the Resource Management Act. However, when replacing infrastructure such as bridges and culverts, the principle of like for like or like for better must be applied and Horizons should be notified.

If people are at all concerned about regulatory issues they are advised to contact Horizons’ rural advice team on toll free number 0508 800 800.
Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Manawatu Wanganui Regional Disaster Relief Fund Trust can do so by depositing funds into the following Westpac bank account – 030-728-0411355-00.

The Wanganui District Council Mayoral Fund has also been activated for people wanting to make specific donations to the people of Wanganui inboth the urban and rural areas. Donations to this fund can be made via Westpac account number 03 0791 0355050 04. People are being asked to leave their contact details and name as the reference details if they wish.

Facebook page www.facebook.com/civildefencemanawatuwanganui will continue to act as a hub for flood-related information.

ENDS

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