Westport drainage cost ‘extra’
From Local Democracy Reporter Brendon McMahon
A proposal to improve drainage of floodwaters around Westport will have further cost implications for the proposed flood protection scheme for the town.
A proposal to improve, extend or build new culverts and open up existing drains is detailed in a report by West Coast Regional Council engineering staff following investigation into improving drainage.
"Any costs associated with improving the drainage within the rating district will be in addition to the flood protection scheme budget that was consulted on in 2021," the report notes.
Currently the flood protection scheme is expected to cost more than $10 million.
The drainage proposal was to be considered by the Westport Rating District Joint Committee on Monday (April 11) and follows recommended emergency works by the Westport Technical Advisory Group (TAG) following post-flood damage assessments from the July and February floods.
The report notes that drainage issues had been identified at the consultation phase of the regional council's 2021-31 long-term plan process last year.
The council had subsequently adopted a plan to address the Westport flooding issue via extensive floodwalls and stopbanks.
"Drainage was identified by many submitters ... as a major issue and one that needed to be considered alongside other flood mitigation proposals."
Staff had now inspected the main "arterial" drains and culverts in Westport and reported there were options for improving drainage issues.
"This includes cleaning out the existing drains to improve flow, increase the size of culverts, and increase the number of culverts and appurtenances to improve the efficiency of the flood protection structures."
This included 12.8 kilometres of existing drains around the town, 34 existing and an estimated 31 potential culverts.
Further investigation was needed on culvert size once the height of the proposed floodbank for the town was confirmed.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.6% Second half of November
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43.4% 1st December
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17.6% A week before Christmas
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33.3% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
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