Motueka Flood Control Project

The Tasman District Council's Ten Year Plan identified the need for a review of the current flood control measures for Motueka. This page contains information about the Motueka Flood Control Project, which was created to address this issue.

• Background  
• Consultation with the Community
• Identification of the Preferred Option
• Diagram of the Preferred Option
• What Happens Next?
• Documents and Newsletters

Tasman District Council seeks your continued input into identifying appropriate flood control measures for the Motueka River. 

Background 

An initial system of stopbanks was constructed around the Motueka River between 1951 and 1956. The original construction was designed to withstand a 1-in-50 year of flood with 600mm of the stopbanks still above water.

Significant floods were recorded in the Lower Motueka Valley in 1957, 1974, 1983 and 1990. The 1983 flood was recorded as a one-in-69 year flood and came within 200mm of the top of the stopbanks in some locations. The 1957 flood is thought to have been larger than the 1983 event with one reported stopbank failure. 

In 2008 the Motueka Flood Control Project was started to increase the flood protection to withstand a one-in-100 year flood while taking into account modern river flow information and the projected effects of climate change (sea level rise and more extreme weather).

back to top

Consultation with the Community 

Tasman District Council recognised the wide range of perspectives and opinions regarding Motueka River flood control and  embarked on a staged process to communicate ideas with the public and to receive feedback.

The broad process was:

• Stage a) Define the key issue / problem
• Stage b) Identify practicable options to address the key issue
• Stage c) Assess the most practicable options and costs
• Stage d) Select a preferred option.

Council  provided information to, and sought feedback from, the community for ‘Stages a to c’;

The detailed consultation took place in 2010 and 2011 (when Council held public meetings, market day presentations to gather information from the community) forming 'Stages a- c' of this process.

• At 'Stage a' we sought information on the key issues.
• At 'Stage b', we provided information of the practicable options.
• At 'Stage c', we gave more detailed information about the shortlisted options, including costs.

We are currently at ‘Stage d’ where the Council has selected the preferred option (Refurbish of the existing stopbanks) and this will be put into the Tasman District Council Draft Long Term Plan and will be subject to a formal special consultation process with submissions and hearings.

This will give the community the opportunity to  provide ideas and helpful suggestions to address flooding risks.

back to top

Identification of the Preferred Option 

The preferred option is to refurbish (improve) the existing stopbanks. Generic elements that would continue as part of the usual river maintenance programme include:

• Ongoing removal of debris and illegally dumped materials from river flood path
• Continued removal of Crack Willow which tends to break in a storm event
• Monitoring and redistribution of gravels within the river berms
• Inspection and rectification of damage caused to rock wall and stopbank footings by erosion and or human activity
• Improved river maintenance
• Improve channels around Peach Island.

back to top

Diagram of the Preferred Option 

back to top

What Happens Next?

The preferred option to refurbish the existing stopbanks has been put into the draft Long Term Plan. This will be available for the public to consult on in early 2012. There will be the opportunity for the community to submit on the Long Term Plan, including the Motueka Flood Control Project. There will be details on the cost of the project and how it affects rates.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who submitted their thoughts and feedback during the earlier consultation process. We look forward to receiving your further thoughts and feedback.

back to top

Documents About the Motueka Flood Control Project 

Newsletters

1. An initial newsletter was produced for the Motueka community in July 2010 which contains an overview of the situation. Motueka Flood Control Project - Newsletter-1 July 2010
2. A second newsletter was produced for the Motueka commuity in April 2011 which gave feedback on initial consultations and details on the 5 options up for consideration. Motueka Flood Control Project - Newsletter 2 - April 2011
3. The third newsletter summarises earlier submissions and outlines the Councils ongoing river management and maintenance activites Motueka Flood Control Project, Newsletter 3 - June 2011
4. The fourth newsletter outlines the three remaining options and project cost and provides information on the next steps.Motueka Flood Control Project, Newsletter No. 4, August 2011

Reports

A report titled "Motueka River Flood Control Scheme Definition of Problems and Community Consultation" was prepared by MWH (NZ) Ltd in November 2010. Report RESC-10-11-09 Motueka Flood Control - Attachment

back to top