Uncertainty remains for flood ravaged Westport residents
Brendon McMahon
, Local democracy reporter
The future of nine properties excluded from the Westport flood scheme is still unclear.
In the meantime, the main partner to lead the project has been told to keep quiet.
The matter was brought up by West Coast Regional Council Infrastructure Governance Committee chairperson Frank Dooley, of Westport, in his report on Tuesday.
Dooley said the nearly $23 million 'support package' from the Government, announced a month ago for Westport, had been very welcome.
However, the terms and conditions with the money were "closely held" between the council chairman, chief executive and the Government.
Dooley said the money was a significant injection of capital and was appreciated by the Westport community.
It was half the amount requested in the original $56m co-funded proposal put forward last year by the council at the encouragement of the Government. That had been seen as a blueprint for future 75% to 25% flood infrastructure co-funding elsewhere in the country.
However, councillor Mark McIntyre, of Westport, said there was not universal support in the wake of the $23m Budget announcement.
"Not everyone is happy," he said.
In particular, Snodgrass Rd residents were "still left hanging" and the precedent set by the Government announcement of categoried properties in Hawke's Bay not to allow rebuilds or "red zoning" had created even more uncertainty, McIntyre said.
Dooley said the Westport funding included an obligation for the council to work with affected property owners who might be excluded.
"You and I have some work to do particularly with our Snodgrass residents, and maybe others," he said to McIntyre.
The Hawke's Bay precedent gave some clarity.
"That obligation still sits on our shoulders," Dooley said.
The criteria for the new categories would come from local government and the insurance sector working together to inform those affected, chief executive Darryl Lew said.
Auckland and Gisborne were next in line for property category announcements.
"The question then comes to what about other areas around the country; that's what the rest of the country is waiting on," Lew said.
Council chairperson Peter Haddock said the next step for the Westport project itself would be a steering group, but the details of it were confidential by a Government directive.
Lew said there was little he could tell councillors as the chairperson and himself had been bound by a confidentiality agreement.
"We have met with DIA (Department of Internal Affairs) and have been told not to share."
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.8% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.1% Hmm, maybe?
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11.2% Yes!
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
Brain Teaser of the Day 🧠✨ Can You Solve It? 🤔💬
How many balls of string does it take to reach the moon?
(Peter from Carterton kindly provided this head-scratcher ... thanks, Peter!)
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm on the day!
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