10 April 2013

Regional council hosting Taieri flood protection and drainage scheme meetings

The Otago Regional Council (ORC) is hosting two public meetings to update Mosgiel and Taieri Plain residents about the Taieri flood protection and drainage schemes.

The meetings are being held at the Mosgiel Coronation Hall from 7pm on Thursday 18 April, and at the Momona Hall on Friday 19 April from 10am.

ORC director environmental engineering and natural hazards Gavin Palmer said the council organises a series of meetings every year to keep the local community informed about the schemes. These upcoming meetings are part of that. They offer a chance for people to talk to ORC councillors and staff, and ask questions.

The Taieri is a natural flood plain and residents rely on the substantial infrastructure there for a degree of flood protection and drainage.

“While we can’t completely eliminate flood risk, it’s useful for everyone to be up-to-date with how the schemes work and what protection they offer,” Dr Palmer said.

It was particularly important for new residents to have an opportunity to learn about the schemes and what can realistically be expected from them, he said.

Planned discussion topics at the meetings include:

· The characteristics of the Taieri flood hazard

· How the flood protection schemes operate

· Flood protection works proposed on the Taieri during the next 12 months.
ends

© Scoop Media