38 | Horizons Regional Council REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Kim Newth Flood mitigation works in action Horizons Regional Council manages and maintains extensive river control systems. In the Manawatū-Whanganui region, Horizons Regional Council is accelerating work to boost the resilience of river communities facing the effects of climate change. River flooding is a leading hazard in the region, which has three major river systems: Whanganui, Manawatū and Rangitīkei. Horizons Regional Council manages and maintains extensive river control systems including 34 river and drainage schemes, 490km of stop banks, 1090km of drains, 23 pumping stations and 53 dams. Current projects underway will further improve levels of flood protection. Four infrastructure climate resilience projects are being funded collaboratively by Horizons and the Government through Kānoa, the Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit (REDIU). to page 40 The Government’s $26.9 million contribution was earmarked for climate resilience and flood protection in 2020, as part of the response to the impacts of COVID-19. Horizons is contributing another $9 million. As well as helping to protect river communities, these projects are providing a welcome boost to the region’s economy by creating jobs and work for local consultants and contractors. All four projects are due to be completed by March 2024. Shaun Edwards, Horizons’ River Management Projects’ Team Leader, is in no doubt that this work is needed given the rising frequency of major rainfall events in recent years. Significant floods in 2004 and 2015 impacted wide parts of the region. “In just the past 12 months alone we have had five or six different times when we’ve stood up the emergency management team for rivers – it’s becoming quite a regular occurrence,” he says. Horizons is working in conjunction with project steering groups, local iwi and district councils. “We are keeping communities informed through our website, as well as posting out flyers and having open days so people can find out what’s happening.” The four climate resilience projects are in the following areas: Lower Manawatū Horizons has been investing to improve flood protection in this area since 2006. This latest project is further strengthening the stopbank network and includes several sub projects. “We’ve completed extensive rock armouring work at the estuary in Foxton and have restored the Hartley Street sea wall at Foxton Beach. “We’re ready to go with similar river protection work on Te Matai Road, Palmerston North and have been working to upgrade the Tokomaru stopbanks by increasing the height of some and the top widths of others to increase their resilience to flood events.” “In just the past 12 months alone we have had five or six different times when we’ve stood up the emergency management team for rivers – it’s becoming quite a regular occurrence.” Weed grille fabrication SOCO supporting Horizons Regional Counci l with fabrication and pump servicing Flood gate fabrication Flood water pump 471 Tremaine Avenue, Palmerston North | 06 354 3651 | www.soco.co.nz Electric Motors | Drives | Pumps | Bearings | Power Transmission | Workshop Services We know every operation is different and we are here to help you find solutions
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