Bay of Plenty Regional Council has agreed a raft of recommendations to unlock the community resilience and job creation
benefits of its COVID-19 ‘shovel-ready’ project funding.
At its meeting on Thursday (3 September) Council approved budget changes to fund the 25% local share requirement of the
Crown Infrastructure Partners (CIP) $23million investment in six major flood protection projects across the region.
In addition to the local share component, budget was provided for two projects that were not provided for in the
2018-2028 Long Term Plan, resulting in new capital expenditure of $13m.
The positive impact of the COVID-19 Recovery support means that $10.1m in loan funding will no longer be required to
deliver the suite of works. This in turn will see lower targeted and general rates than originally forecast in relation
to the lifespan of the projects.
Councillors also approved the Rivers and Drainage and Lakes Procurement Plan 2020/21 which covers the majority of
capital works. Combining the works under one procurement plan creates efficiencies through tender processes and
construction phases.
Speaking during the meeting, Eastern Bay Constituency Councillor Bill Clark said he felt relieved on behalf of the
Rangitāiki community that the CIP funding had been secured.
“It’s a great outcome especially following our consultation with the community over the increased cost of design for the
final stages of the Rangitāiki Floodway. That meeting in Edgecumbe showed there was acceptance that the project had to
proceed, but now it can do so with the peace of mind of affordability.”
Rotorua General Constituency Councillor Kevin Winters, offered congratulations to the staff who had worked so hard to
prepare the funding applications during the challenging circumstances of the first COVID-19 lockdown.
At the time the funding was announced at the end of July, Council Chairman Doug Leeder welcomed the job security created
by accelerating the flood resilience infrastructure projects.
“Work across all six projects is anticipated to 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 for our region,” Mr Leeder said.Background:Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters and Under-Secretary for Regional Economic Development Fletcher Tabuteau announced
funding of up to $23m to Bay of Plenty Regional Council in Rotorua on 31 July 2020.The funds come from $210 million set aside for ‘shovel-ready’ climate resilience and flood protection projects being
delivered through a $3 billion tagged contingency in Budget 2020.Bay of Plenty Regional Council Projects:Rangitāiki River Community Resilience and flood protection – completion of the Rangitāiki FloodwayImplementing Ngongotahā Stream Independent ReviewRangitāiki floodwalls resilienceKaituna Mole upgradeWhakatāne town centre flood defence upgradeWaioeka Estuary concept