The business case for the Westport flood protection scheme is being viewed as a test case by the government.
A flooded home in Wesport in July 2021. Photo: RNZ / Anan Zaki
A report to the Westport Rating District Joint Committee today notes that arrangements are now largely in place to enable the West Coast Regional Council to prepare a business case seeking government co-investment into the scheme.
It is due to be submitted to the government in just about two months, although a lot of work has yet to be done.
That included weaving proposed river management solutions into "a broader fabric of other initiatives" to help build long-term community resilience against flooding risks, the report said.
The report on the business case preparation also outlines a number of issues in the background including expectations from Minister of Local Government Nanaia Mahuta of both the regional council and Buller District Council for the scheme.
"The minister views Westport as a test case for central government potentially returning to the table as a co-investor in flood protection measures throughout New Zealand," the report said.
Among the expectations, the business case is asked to include reasons why "a bare-bones" local government response would not be enough to build the scheme, and reasons why Westport is special compared to other flood-prone communities.
As well, the business case currently being prepared will draw on a joint case prepared and released last week for all regional councils and unitary authorities calling on the government for "urgent action" to co-invest in flood protection schemes.
The report, Central Government Co-investment in Flood Protection Schemes, will be discussed at the West Coast Regional Council meeting tomorrow.
The report points out, for example, the proposed Westport scheme would protect nearly $1 billion of Crown assets in the Westport area, including the road and rail network.
According to the report, regional and unitary councils currently invest about $200 million each year in flood protection schemes nationwide.
"This is estimated to fall short of what's needed by $150m per annum. Over the 10 years considered, that would be $1.5b of under-investment in critical flood protection schemes."
Since the joint committee last met, the Buller Recovery Steering Group has adopted four overriding objectives for the proposed Westport scheme as 'strategic settings' to guide options for building community flood resilience.
These include:
- Reducing the extent, frequency, and consequences of flooding from severe weather events.
- Minimising the increase or transfer of flood risk to other areas in the Buller catchment.
- Improving Westport's ability to prepare and function during and after flooding events.
- Reducing undue long-term financial burden on the community of flood mitigation and protection.
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