MEDIA RELEASE

Horizons Regional Council

Wednesday 27 June, 2012

Horizons to consult on Makino Stream flood protection

Feilding will have its chance to talk to Horizons about possible flood protection works on Makino Stream near the township.

At today’s catchment operations committee meeting Horizons staff presented their findings following an investigation of options for flood protection on the Makino Stream between the Feilding township and Kitchener Park. Currently only informal flood protection exists from Rata Street, near Manfield Park, through to Kitchener Park, with the Park and surrounding farm land exposed to regular flooding.

Three components of possible flood protection works have been investigated and various combinations of these components are possible, all with varying price tags.

The first component would provide 100 year flood protection for Manfield Park and nearby residential properties. 100 year flood protection is the accepted standard applied by Horizons for residential areas.

The second component would provide 10 year flood protection to the area between Manfield Park and Kitchener Park. The third component is designed to provide 5 year flood protection to Kitchener Park itself. This would substantially reduce the volume of gravel and silt and unwanted weeds that are entering the park following floods, and would therefore largely eliminate the need to restore the area after each flood.

“There are a number of options on the table for this area as we need to consider which components of the proposed works should be carried out and how they could be funded,” said catchment operations committee chairperson, Murray Guy.

“Kitchener Park has just received considerable funding from Manawatu District Council for its upkeep, evidence of its importance to the local community and this will need to be taken into consideration,” he said.

Horizons will be consulting with the District Council and other stakeholders, including the Lower Manawatu Scheme liaison committee, Kitchener Park management and affected land holders over coming months

Ends

© Scoop Media