Gore channel improvement work completed
Environment Southland is marking another significant milestone in its work to strengthen flood resilience in Gore and across the Mataura catchment, with major channel improvement works on the Mataura River now complete.
Environment Southland Chair Jeremy McPhail said the work south of the Gore road and rail bridges is a practical investment that will help the river perform better during high-flow events.
"People want to know we're taking practical steps to reduce flood risk and investing wisely in the future of our communities. That's exactly what this project is doing."
A total of 21,850 cubic metres of river sediment was removed from the river channel, representing 93 per cent of the original estimated volume of 23,500 cubic metres. Gore District Council has since reused the material as capping material on its retired landfill site.
Chair McPhail said recent periods of elevated river levels highlighted the importance of the work.
"By widening the channel through this section of the river, we've increased flood flow capacity by around 13 per cent, helping water move more efficiently through Gore during high river events."
"This work is about reducing pressure on existing flood infrastructure and improving the river's ability to carry floodwaters through one of the tighter sections of the system. It's a practical, targeted improvement that will make a real difference for our communities."
The contractor has now completed the main works and left the site, and disturbed riverbank areas will be re-grassed in late spring when conditions allow.
The next phase of the project will focus on reviewing how existing flood resilience assets are performing in Gore and Mataura, and on developing a catchment-wide plan to guide future Mataura River investment and decision-making.
"This is about making sure future investment decisions are based on strong evidence and a clear understanding of what our communities need to remain resilient."
Chair McPhail said recent public discussion around flood mapping and the Gore District Plan had highlighted the importance of understanding the different roles councils play, and the fact that central government require councils to consider flood risk and the effects of climate change when making planning decisions.
"Environment Southland's role was to provide flood-risk information and technical advice. Gore Council’s Hearing Panel requested and decided on the 0.5% Annual Exceedance Probability (or AEP) threshold, and all planning decisions, including floor level requirements, were made by the Gore District Council through its district plan process."
Chair McPhail said Environment Southland would continue to focus on practical action and long-term resilience.
"This project shows what can be achieved when local government, central government, contractors and communities work together."
"We've completed an important piece of work in Gore, and we're already focused on the next steps to strengthen flood resilience across the whole Mataura River catchment, which will also benefit generations to come."
