64 | Protecting communities from floods The project, which is Government co-funded, allows for the continued protection against a one in 100-year flood event and provides peace of mind for communities living in high-risk areas from Huntly to Port Waikato. Waikato Regional Council: Lower Waikato Stopbank Upgrade T T Russell Fredric INFRASTRUCTURE Waikato Regional Council (WRC) has completed the first stage of a project to raise stopbank levels in the lower aikato River catchment. Started in March and completed in May, stage 1 of the project comprised raising the level of nearly 5.5 kilometres of stopbanks in the Tūakau area. In total, nearly 14 kilometres of stopbanks will be upgraded over three years. The project, which is Government co-funded, allows for the continued protection against a one in 100-year flood event and provides peace of mind for communities living in highrisk areas from Huntly to Port Waikato. WRC Integrated catchment management director Greg Ryan says by raising the crest height of the stopbanks to meet service levels, the infrastructure will continue to provide the level of protection they were designed for and agreed to by the communities at risk. “The infrastructure upgrade is critical for ongoing flood protection. This work will reduce the likelihood of the impacts from flooding, not only to the communities that live in the area, and the townships, but also to those who travel through the lower Waikato catchment via the state highway, roads and main trunk line,” Greg says. In August last year, the Government confirmed funding of $12.5 million from its Regional Infrastructure Fund to accelerate six flood-management infrastructure projects in the Waikato region. This funding was part of Government’s 2024 budget, which dedicated $101.1 million for flood-resilience infrastructure as co-investment with regional and unitary councils to 42 flood-resilience projects that were close to getting started. The council is greatly appreciative of the funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, administered by Kānoa - Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, Greg says. It is also significant in terms of easing the burden to ratepayers. “The project allows for continued employment within the agricultural sector and the townships of this area, which in turn supports the local economy. “It also enables the continued development and building of the infrastructure, such as roads, internet, electricity, and schools that is required to support the communities in the lower Waikato catchment.” The reason for the upgrades is a mixture of stop bank settlement, wearing down from farming and other activities, and increased flood levels. “Ultimately, the banks overtopped during Cyclone Gabrielle, so these works are to ensure the infrastructure is ready for the next big storm.” The tender for stage 1 of the project was awarded to Te Awamutu company Johnston Drainage & Contracting, with work including topping up the low points on the stopbanks with earth to the required heights specific to each location. The lower Waikato flood-protection infrastructure includes a network of 256 kilometres of stopbanks, 274 floodgates and 64 pump stations aimed at protecting low-lying, flood prone land, and effectively disconnecting almost half of the lower floodplain from natural interaction with the river. Contact Us 07 870 1135 admin@jdc.net.nz jdc.co.nz Earthmoving, Civil and Rural Construction, Bulk Haulage & Quarrying Products Contact us today for a consultation and let's build a stronger, more vibrant community together. Your Trusted Partner in
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=