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Holding back the flood
To help reduce future damages, the Council is considering amending the City Plan. Prior to the proposed formal notification of the variation, Council staff are keen to get residents' views. The proposed measures for new developments seek to reduce potential damages in Christchurch from flooding by waterways or the sea. Flood damages increase significantly when water enters buildings (average cost being $60,000 and $65,000 per dwelling). Some areas of the City are vulnerable to flooding. At times of extreme flooding, over 200 houses could currently be flooded. These areas are located near the estuary and coastal margins, as well as on the flood plains of the main river systems. Accelerated rise in sea levels, as well as increased severity and frequency of storms, is predicted under global warming, therefore it is important to plan now to reduce future damage. This approach is consistent with policies in the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement and the principles of the Resource Management Act. The measures proposed to be included in the variation have been assessed in detail in the flood plain management investigations by Christchurch City Council and Environment Canterbury. They are:
In some places, however, engineering may be required to reduce flood damages to existing houses. It is suggested the planning measures proposed need to be put in place now considering the life of a building is 50 to 100 years. The Council is seeking feedback on the proposed measures, outlined in a discussion document, by the end of January (2001). Copies of this document can be obtained by phoning the Council numbers below. Meetings are being arranged with residents in the areas affected by the proposed rules and for people in the building industry. For more information contact Water Services planning engineer Tony Oliver on 371-1394, email tony.oliver@ccc.govt.nz, or the City Plan Team on 371-1631. |