Waitara is more secure following the Taranaki Regional Council’s $3.4 million investment to increase the town’s flood protection.
The three-year upgrade, finished on time and within budget, is designed to withstand the high and fast-moving flows of a one-in-100-year Waitara River flood, up from the old safeguard that only provided a one-in-30-year protection, according to TRC.
As well as upgrading flood defenses, the amenities along the river front have been greatly enhanced.
The Waitara flood protection project included:
The $3.4 million upgrade was financed by existing Council funds. These funds will be repaid over the next 30 years (to reflect the long-term benefit of the assets) by ratepayers in the New Plymouth and North Taranaki constituencies through a targeted rate. The rate will also fund ongoing maintenance of the scheme.
Key parties, including Methanex NZ, ANZCO and New Plymouth District Council, have also made significant investment.
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