Council rejects new protection options for West Coast town devastated by winter floods
An expert report has criticised a multimillion-dollar West Coast Regional Council plan for Westport flood protection as being no better than doing nothing.
The regional council’s proposals, which are out for public consultation as part of its long-term plan, include a $3.4 million option that would include the building of a flood wall along the Buller River at Westport and partial stop banks around the town.
The options were in the planning stages when the town was inundated with floods on July 17 and 18 that forced more than 2000 of its 4500-odd residents to evacuate and left more than 460 homes damaged.
In its submission the Buller District Council says it has “major concerns” about the proposal because it does not take into climate change into account or the river flows in a one-in-100 year event. Read more here.
Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?
We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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91.6% Yes
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8% No
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0.4% Other - I'll share below!
Lest we forget...
On this ANZAC Day, let's take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.
Tell us who are you honouring today. Whether it's a story from the battlefield or a memory of a family member who fought in the war, we'd love you to share your stories below.
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