Bay of Plenty Regional Council is welcoming today’s announcement that it will receive up to $23 million for flood
protection infrastructure projects.
The funding announced by Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development
Fletcher Tabuteau comes from the $210 million for shovel-ready climate resilience and flood protection projects being
delivered through a $3 billion tagged contingency in Budget 2020.
Regional Council chair Doug Leeder says the announcement is great news for the Bay of Plenty, accelerating six major
projects that will secure over 130 full-time equivalent positions with local contractors engaged mostly with earthworks
and associated culvert, piping, construction, and site and pasture restoration. In addition this stimulus will provide
downstream economic and social benefits.
“The projects are located across the rohe and will complete or upgrade infrastructure that addresses specific flood
risks in the Western Bay, Rotorua, Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki districts.
COVID-19 Recovery has provided an unprecedented opportunity to work in partnership with central government to accelerate
projects that have far-reaching benefits for our region. Projects that simultaneously create jobs and allow us to
deliver our core outcomes, in this case, supporting safe and resilient communities,” Mr Leeder says.
The Projects:Rangitāiki River Community Resilience and flood protection – completion of the Rangitāiki FloodwayImplementing Ngongotahā Stream Independent Review – civil works; at-risk tree removalRangitāiki floodwalls resilienceKaituna Mole upgradeWhakatāne town centre flood defence upgradeWaioeka Estuary concept