It seems these fairly new homes were constructed with flooring heights set to minimum standards when a bit of foresight would have ensured their protection. The options to help these residents were a box culvert costing about $600,000 or a bridge costing about $1 million -- a lot of money to protect a small number of homes.
Councillors Rob Vinsen and Charlie Anderson championed this group vociferously, stressing the importance and urgency of such capital expenditure to save these people from repeated flooding and to ensure full access to the airport which may be needed for emergency services.
On the surface, this would seem a reasonable demand -- though preparedness and a sturdy four-wheel drive vehicle would ensure airport access.
Council stormwater engineer Kritzo Venter explained that the council might get better value for money elsewhere. He suggested a contribution to Horizons to increase the height of stopbanks along Anzac Pde, which would protect far more people, properties and an important main highway route.
The message just did not get through and the council was presented with a recent update on the Awarua stream flood mitigation with various councillors arguing that something had to be done.
However, none of these councillors seemed to give any thought to the wider ramifications of flooding in the whole community. Those in Anzac Pde, Taupo Quay and other parts of Putiki never warranted a mention, even though flood protection here offered far better value for money than Onetere Drive.
Flood protection in Anzac Pde -- where I live -- is currently set at very low standards (a one-in-50-year flood), even after a recent upgrade prior to the big flood.
Floods there affect close to 100 homes as well as Kowhai Park, and disrupt a major arterial route. The cost incurred by flooding in this area is about $10.5m in addition to the cost of restoring Kowhai Park.
Most other parts of Whanganui and the Manawatu receive up to a level of a one-in-200-year flood protection.
Unfortunately, former regional councillor Bob Walker refused to support increasing the height of the stopbank on Anzac Pde and argued for what he referred to as a "strategic withdrawal". One would have to ask Mr Walker where he thought the money for such a move was coming from.
The council issued permits for these homes many years ago when it is obvious that it should not have. It is too late to turn back the clock and many people, including myself, love our homes on Anzac Pde.
Whanganui District Council has now decided to discuss the Onetere Drive flooding at its annual plan consultation next year. Let's hope councillors give equal consideration to all those affected by flooding.
I recommend that residents affected by flooding start now to lobby Horizons councillors Nicola Patrick and David Cotton, along with district councillors, to ensure all residents are fairly represented.
Steve Baron is an Anzac Pde homeowner, political commentator, author and founder of Better Democracy NZ. He holds degrees in economics and political science.
