Floodplain debate builds

A hint that Masterton's floodplain debate is far from over has come in the aftermath of a news story published in the Times-Age yesterday.

The story related to discussions held at a Masterton District Council meeting this week at which it was claimed new data prepared in the wake of research done by senior council staff in conjunction with Niwa had shown Greater Wellington Regional Council floodplain modelling was incorrect.

That had declared hundreds of properties would be put at risk in a one in a 100-year flood scenario mainly due to inadequate stop banking along the Waipoua River.

The district council's research, supported by an opinion from Niwa, claims the stopbanks could withstand a one in 200-year flood scenario.

Later yesterday it was learned the regional council, which had been sent the district council data, had not just accepted its modelling was wrong.

This was then acknowledged by Masterton mayor Lyn Patterson who, in a brief prepared statement to the Times-Age, said "we have two different reports about flood risk in Masterton".

Mrs Patterson said the two councils had agreed to continue to work together to find a "common position" because both were concerned about protecting people and property from floods.

Mrs Patterson made a commitment to keep Masterton people informed of the true floodplain position.