Feedback sought over flood shield

Community feedback is being sought over the Waiohine River, pictured, and consequent flood protection for Greytown.

The Waiohine River community is being given an opportunity to discuss a proposal to provide comprehensive flood protection to Greytown.

The Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) Flood Protection Department has been consulting widely on the proposal, Waiohine floodplain management plan Option 7.

The information day will be held on Saturday June 14 from 10am-5pm at Greytown Community Centre and Library.

The proposal has four components: stopbanking, district planning measures, changes to erosion protection and river management techniques as well as flood warning and emergency management. Over recent weeks flood protection engineers have been meeting individuals most affected by the Option 7 proposal.

"We have been discussing the plan on a face-to-face basis with landowners who would be most affected by the Option 7 proposal.

"Some would be at a greater risk of flooding, others might have part of a stopbank on their property if the proposal goes ahead," said senior flood protection engineer James Flanagan. "Nobody wants to have any negative impacts on their property.

"It is very hard to talk to people about how changes for them will mean greater protection for the wider community.

"Many people are pragmatic and are keen to discuss some potential solutions for their property, but some are understandably concerned about the consequences Option 7 presents for them."

Information from face-to-face meetings, the community information day and written submissions will inform a report to be submitted to the Waiohine floodplain management advisory committee later this year.

The committee will make a recommendation to the GWRC for consideration in due course.

Find out more about the proposal at: www.gw.govt.nz/waiohine-floodplain-management-plan