11 March, 2012

Flood protection planned for Turitea Campus

Residents are being asked their thoughts on the inclusion of the Turitea Science Campus in the city’s flood protection scheme, City Reach.

Horizons Regional Councillors have opted to include the campus and neighbouring Turitea Stream in their draft Plan for the next 10 years which is currently out for consultation.

Extending the scheme to include the campus will add $1.6 million to the scheme’s budget, with 50 per cent of this cost to be met by the campus owners.

“Massey University and the science and research facilities on the campus are vital to the social and economic development of this region,” says chairman of Horizons’ Catchment Operations Committee Murray Guy.

“As such, we feel it is important they receive an appropriate level of flood protection but our community has the final say and we’re keen to hear people’s feedback through submissions to our draft Long-term Plan.”

If work goes ahead it will mean 1.8km of new stop banking along the Manawatu River, resulting in 500-year protection for the campus and a further 1.2km of new or upgraded stop banks to provide 200-year protection from the Turitea Stream.

If you would like to have your say on this or any of the other issues contained within Horizons draft Long-term Plan contact Horizons on toll free 0508 800 800 or visit www.horizons.govt.nz to find out more.

Residents are also encouraged to attend one of a series of community meetings being held across the region throughout the submission period.

The first of these meetings will be held at the Manawatu District Council Chambers in Feilding at 5.30pm tonight (Wednesday April 11) with the Palmerston North meeting taking place at Te Manawa, 6.30pm Tuesday April 17.

Horizons Regional Council | www.horizons.govt.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media