MEDIA RELEASE

23 October 2015

Graham’s Creek project set to get cracking

Construction of important new flood mitigation works is set to commence next week just north of Tairua at Graham’s Creek. A blessing was held at the construction site today ahead of next week’s start.

“This is great news for the local community,” said Waikato Regional Council’s Hauraki Coromandel catchment management team lead Emily O’Donnell.

“The work, when completed, will allow people in this area to sleep easier. The final design is a credit to the community members and council staff who were a part of this process.

”The importance of partnerships was further recognised in today’s pre-construction meeting when community representatives acknowledged the support and efforts of staff from the regional council. Thames-Coromandel District Council, which is managing the Manaia Road bridge and causeway upgrade section of the works, has also played a key role in partnering with us on this work,” said Ms O’Donnell

“The design of the works combines the best engineering knowledge and options with creative thinking to ensure preservation of the local indigenous environment.”

The floodway improvement works will both reduce the impact of flooding and improve the natural environment.

The regional council is responsible for the floodway improvement works, such as the stop banks, weir, floodgate, stream diversion and floodway. These are key in helping protect people and their properties from flooding. The first phase of these works including sediment control and erosion protection structures commences next week. This supports the larger construction works to ensure no sediment impacts the downstream wetland and harbour.

The first phase will be completed prior to Christmas with the second phase commencing after the peak summer period in mid February.

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