Borlase: Flood stopbanks more costly than Variation 57
Councillor Stuart Borlase has spoken out about Takaka's recent flood and future protection.
"The Takaka township was very lucky to escape severe flooding last week," said Cr Borlase. "Analysis of the intensity and location of rainfall in the catchment is not yet complete, but it is already known that the flood level was only equivalent to what we can expect every 10 to 15 years. By way of comparison, the 1983 flood level was what we can expect every 50 years.
"Even at this relatively low 10- to 15-year level, the informal stopbank was overtopped and we had water in the town. The preliminary analysis already shows that had the rainfall continued for another two hours, or reached greater intensities, the flooding would have been close to the 1983 levels.
"The township will only get complete protection if we build a stopbank that will protect against 100-year floods. We know that a 50-year flood stopbank will cost approximately $10 million."
A 100-year protection has not been costed, but could cost $15 to $17 million, he added.
"However, if we simply continue with Variation 57, the additional costs to upgrade the services for the higher ground to be zoned for new residential use probably will be in the region of $1 million and development levies will help to cover costs.
"I ask that those who oppose Variation 57 recognise that the flood risk to low-lying land is real. At the same time, they need to accept that building proper stopbanks is much more expensive than upgrading the infrastructure to service the higher ground.
"I also ask that those threatening to take this matter to the Environment Court will realise that this will be a fruitless exercise that will cost all ratepayers at least $25,000."
Cr Borlase may be contacted for further information at 525 8477.
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