Thursday 3 March 2016

Committee decides on preferred option for Heathcote Valley flood Mitigation

Christchurch City Council's Infrastructure, Transport and Environment Committee today agreed to endorse the Staff recommendation for the Matuku Waterway flood mitigation works in Heathcote Valley.

The Heathcote Valley experienced flooding in a number of areas during the flood events of 2014. The Council's Mayoral Taskforce identified that a diversion of the Matuku Waterway would likely reduce flooding in Heathcote Valley downstream of Bridle Path Road. The diversion would transfer flows from Heathcote Valley Drain in Morgan's Valley to the lower Matuku Waterway in Cooks Lane.

Fast-track investigations as part of the Council's Land Drainage Recovery Programme (LDRP) concluded that a pipeline diversion along Bridle Path Road was the best option to reduce this flood risk to properties around Marsden Street, Flavell Street, Martindales Road and Pawaho Place. The works are estimated to cost up to $2.5M, funded from the LDRP Budget.

Today, the Council's Infrastructure, Transport and Environment Committee agreed to recommend that the Council approve the design and construction of the preferred pipeline diversion option for the Matuku waterway flood mitigation works in Heathcote Valley.

Committee Chair Councillor Phil Clearwater says public meetings following the 2014 floods showed the community has a strong preference for works to mitigate flooding in the area.

"If approved by the Council, there is potential to begin construction on some of the proposed works within the current financial year, meaning this community will soon have an increased level of protection from flooding."

The Council will consider the recommendations at the full Council meeting on March 10.

– Ends –

© Scoop Media