Resilient Westport Steering Group
Background
Westport was hit by severe flooding in July 2021 and February 2022. It is likely to face increasing flood events in future and currently has limited flood protection in place.
The West Coast Regional Council, Buller District Council and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae, on request of the Minister for Local Government, submitted a proposal for co-investment to improve Westport’s flood resilience. In Budget 2023, the Government set aside $22.9 million for a number of flood resilience initiatives.
The Resilient Westport Steering Group has been appointed by Ministers to maintain oversight and synchronisation of the various packages of work that will be delivered by the respective Councils from funding agreed in the budget. The Steering Group is independently chaired and comprises key leaders from Buller District Council, the West Coast Regional Council, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Waewae, The Department of Internal Affairs and the National Emergency Management Agency.
While exact details are still being planned, the funded packages of work that the Steering Group will oversee and co-ordinate over the next two years include:
- $15.9m for a ringbank to reduce the risk of flooding, this is in addition to the Westport Rating District’s contribution. Further work needs to be undertaken to determine the detailed location and design of the ringbank.
- $1.5m for the reafforestation of the Organs Island area.
- $1.0m to restore the Regional Council’s emergency funds for immediate works on Buller riverbank.
- $1.0m to replenish the Regional Council’s contingency fund (which has been exhausted).
- $0.5m for a development plan for Alma Road and to support the development of low-risk areas.
- $0.25m for a Feasibility study into strategic land purchase at Alma or other low risk sites.
- $2.0m for an Adaptation Relief Fund to assist owners in high-risk areas for initiatives such as raising buildings, or to procure moveable flood barriers for example.
- $0.5m to improve local civil defence capability.
- $0.25m for a sea level monitor/tide gauge to improve early warning.
Media releases
Media Release - Next Steps Outlined for Westport Flood Protection
Media Release - Westport Flood Resilience Programme Kicks Off
Resilient Westport Steering Group Agendas
Resilient Westport Steering Group Agenda 26 July 2024
Resilient Westport Steering Group Agenda 31 May 2024
Resilient Westport Steering Group Agenda 22 March 2024
Resilient Westport Steering Group Agenda 21 July 2023
Resilient Westport Steering Group Agenda 23 June 2023
Resilient Westport Steering Group Agenda 4 August 2023
Resilient Westport Steering Group Agenda 25 August 2023
Resilient Westport Steering Group Agenda 28 September 2023
Buller TAG Report Signed 25 September 2023
Resilient Westport Steering Group Agenda 17 November 2023
Resilient Westport Steering Group Agenda 8 December 2023
Resilient Westport Steering Group Agenda Master Planning 8 December 2023
Resilient Westport Steering Group Agenda 2 February 2024
Resilient Westport Steering Group Agenda 2 February 2024 WCRC Update
Resilient Westport Steering Group Minutes
Resilient Westport Steering Group Minutes May 2024
Resilient Westport Steering Group Minutes February 2024
Resilient Westport Steering Group Minutes 17 November 2023
Resilient Westport Steering Group Minutes 28 September 2023
Resilient Westport Steering Group Minutes 25 August 2023
Resilient Westport Steering Group Minutes 4 August 2023
Resilient Westport Steering Group Minutes 21 July 2023
Resilient Westport Steering Group Minutes 23 June 2023
Resilient Westport Steering Group Minutes and Action List 26 July 2024
Other Information
Steering Group Terms of Reference
Resilient Westport Flood Protection Presentation 22 May 2024
Reports
Proactive release: DIA evaluation of the Westport flood resilience proposal incorporating a Tonkin+Taylor technical review - https://www.dia.govt.nz/Proactive-Releases#Dep
Kawatiri Business Case
