Buller District Council welcomes clarity on Westport flood protection scheme but concerns remain
Buller District Council has welcomed a briefing from West Coast Regional Council [WCRC] on the proposed reset of the Westport Flood Protection Scheme but says significant questions remain around affordability, delivery risks and the time taken to reach this point.
The Council was briefed by WCRC on 19 August regarding the future direction of the scheme and the options that will now be presented to the community for consultation.
Chief Executive Simon Pickford said the briefing provided greater clarity around the challenges facing the project and the decisions that now need to be made.
"The briefing was helpful in providing a clearer understanding of the issues facing the project and the options available. It gives the community and elected members a pathway forward, but there remains considerable work to do before final decisions can be made."
Mayor Chris Russell said the Council was disappointed it had taken so long to reach this stage.
"We are now five years on from the devastating July 2021 floods and the community has been waiting for certainty. While progress has been made, Westport remains vulnerable until a completed flood protection scheme is in place.
"People want to see visible progress and reassurance that a workable solution will be delivered."
WCRC has confirmed that the scheme, as originally envisaged, cannot be delivered within the original structural protection budget of $25.8 million. The cost of delivering the originally contemplated climate-adjusted level of protection is now estimated at $70 million.
As a result, WCRC has decided to consult the community on alternative options which provide a lower level of flood protection based on current climate conditions. Preparatory work will continue, although construction has not yet received final approval.
Mayor Russell said it was essential for the community to understand the implications of the options being presented clearly.
"I support the decision to consult with the community. However, the full position must be explained clearly and in plain language, so residents understand both the benefits and the limitations of the options being considered."
A potential local funding shortfall of between $22.57 million and $23.6 million presents a significant challenge at a time when the district is already facing substantial financial pressures.
"The affordability of the scheme is a major issue. Our community is already facing a range of financial pressures, including planning legislation changes, potential governance reform, and
the impact of future water services requirements."
Mayor Russell also questioned why escalating costs, design challenges and delivery risks had not been identified and communicated to the public sooner.
"I believe serious cost, design and delivery risks existed well before now. It is reasonable to ask why the scale of those issues was not identified and communicated to the public earlier."
WCRC has advised it is actively pursuing additional government and third-party funding to reduce the burden on local ratepayers, although no additional funding has yet been confirmed.
"I welcome efforts to secure additional funding. However, no additional funding has yet been confirmed or included in the financial modelling,” Mayor Russell said.
“Before any final decision is made, the community must be told what additional funding has actually been secured and what that means for Westport ratepayers."
Despite the challenges, Buller District Council remains committed to working constructively with WCRC and central government to achieve the best possible outcome for the community.
"Our priority remains ensuring Westport has effective and affordable flood protection. We will continue to work with all parties to achieve the best possible outcome for our community," said Mayor Russell.
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For further information please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz