Sumner flooding,subject of Council workshop

26 November 2004

Council plans to reduce the risk of flooding in the Sumner/Redcliffs area will be the topic of a workshop at Sumner Surf Lifesaving Club on Wednesday 8 December.

Local residents who are interested in the project are invited to visit the Clubrooms anytime between 7pm and 9pm to have their views heard, ask questions and learn more about what is being proposed.

Plans for an improved stormwater system for the area were prompted by the flood damage to 12 Sumner homes and businesses, below Richmond Hill, during the October 2000 storm.  "Work has been done previously on upgrading the system but more is required to reduce the risk of flooding to a level that would be acceptable elsewhere in Christchurch," Ken Couling of the Council's Water Environment team said.

“With more houses being built on Richmond Hill, improvements to the stormwater system have taken on greater importance in reducing the flood risk to Sumner," Mr Couling said.

Stormwater from Richmond Hill and Sumner is currently carried to the beach via the Cave Rock pipeline. Proposed changes to this system include the addition of a secondary flow path, which would intercept floodwater ponding at Nayland St and Richmond Hill Rd intersection and divert it to the beach by the Sumner Surf Lifesaving Club.  A supplementary pipeline would divert floodwater at the Cave Rock pipeline inlet and discharge it through the sea wall at Burgess St.

“These proposals have been designed to have as little impact on the coastal environment as the current system allows,” Mr Couling said. “While the benefits may not be felt every year, an improved system would give much greater peace of mind to some Sumner residents during a once in 20 year event like that of October 2000.”

Other than going to the workshop, local residents can have their say on the proposed new system by making a submission on the website www.ccc.govt.nz/haveyoursay; picking up a submission form and information brochure from the Linwood Service Centre, 180 Smith St or Civic Offices, Tuam St; or by responding on the submission form delivered in the area.

For further information about the Richmond Hill to Sumner stormwater improvements telephone Ken Couling on 941 8936.

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