Council agrees on Heathcote Valley flood mitigation

The Council today approved the design and construction of a pipeline diversion for the Matuku Waterway flood mitigation works in Heathcote Valley.

The Heathcote Valley experienced flooding in a number of areas during the flood events of 2014.

The Council's Mayoral Taskforce identified that a diversion of the Matuku Waterway would likely reduce flooding in Heathcote Valley downstream of Bridle Path Road. The diversion would transfer flows from Heathcote Valley Drain in Morgan's Valley to the lower Matuku Waterway in Cooks Lane.

Fast-track investigations as part of the Council's Land Drainage Recovery Programme (LDRP) concluded that a pipeline diversion along Bridle Path Road was the best option to reduce this flood risk to properties around Marsden Street, Flavell Street, Martindales Road and Pawaho Place. The works are estimated to cost up to $2.5M, funded from the LDRP Budget.

Today, the Council approved the Infrastructure, Transport and Environment Committee’s recommendation for this preferred pipeline diversion option.

Head of Three Waters and Waste John Mackie says the Council is working to get a good picture of flood risk in catchments across the city, and develop sensible flood mitigation schemes that bring the most benefit, to the most people.

“These works are a good example of this. Now we have Council approval, we will look to begin construction fairly promptly on some of these works so we can soon bring greater flood resilience to properties in this area.

“The community here told us quite clearly during the Mayoral Taskforce meetings that they were keen for mitigation works to reduce their flood risk. We will continue to work closely with the Heathcote Valley community to keep them updated during the course of the works.”

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