Disaster Mitigation Projects
Following the Edgecumbe earthquake in 1987, flood events of July 2004 and May 2005, Whakatane District Council is implementing a number of disaster mitigation projects. Here you will find information about the various projects in Edgecumbe, Otarawairere/West End Escarpment, Awatapu and Matata and the Hazard Mitigation Funding Policy.
Natural Hazard Mitigation Works
Following three natural disasters in the District (Edgecumbe earthquake 1987, Flooding in July 2004 and May 2005), the Council has planned a range of flood, landslip and debris flow mitigation projects. While the cost of these works is significant they are necessary to protect communities.
Through the Ten-year Council Community Plan 2006-2016,consultation process, the Council developed a policy for funding these works.
What is planned?
In July 2004 and May 2005, heavy rain caused flooding a series of landslips and debris flows in Whakatane (including Ohope) and Matata areas respectively. Following these events, the Council investigated options for protecting the affected landowners and properties from future risks. The following range of measures to protect the community are planned:
Whakatane-Ohope
Awatapu
The community of Awatapu located in Whakatane was badly flooded in the July 2004 floods.
$1.4 million has been included in the Plan to complete flood mitigation works in Awatapu during 2006-08. However,it is expected that around $475,000 for this project will be funded by parties other than the Council.
Otarawairere - Ohope
During the July 2004 disaster, a number of landslips affected properties at Brown Road, Cliff Road and West End Road in Ohope. The Council is currently considering engineering options to minimise the risk to properties in these areas. The Council included a provision of $2 million in the Ten-year Plan for wastewater and stormwater projects in 2006-09.
Matata
The works in Matata are anticipated to cost the Council $5.2m overall and occur over the 2006-09 financial years. Although the these works will be partially funded by central government, the cost is significant for the Council and district.
Awatarariki
Works will involve the construction of a 17m high debris dam in the catchment and debris flood channel on the fanhead beside the existing Awatarariki Stream watercourse and a double span railway bridge. These works will cost overall $5.36 million of which the Council will contribute $3.56 million. The bridge work has been completed by ONTRACK and Transit New Zealand.
Waitepuru Stream
Works will involve partial flow restoration of the stream back through the town watercourse with flood flows being directed to the western lagoon in a flood flow channel past Fairfield Lane.
These works will cost $610,000 of which $405,000 is to be funded by the Council. These works are to be completed in conjunction with Transit New Zealand, ONTRACK and Environment Bay of Plenty.
Waitepuru Debris Management
Works will involve construction of a 5m high debris containment bund on the fanhead.These works will cost overall $2.75 million of which $841,000 is to be funded by the Council.
Ohinekoao (Matata Straights, State Highway 2)
Works will involve re-aligning culverts and bridges to provide a better debris flow path. These works will cost the Council $110,000 and are to be completed in conjunction with Transit New Zealand and ONTRACK.
Waimea Stream
Works will involve replacing culverts, carrying out stream works and providing a stronger regulatory environment. These works will cost $450,000 of which $290,000 is to be funded by the Council. The works are to be completed in conjunction with Transit New Zealand.
Edgecumbe
Parts of Edgecumbe are prone to flooding (originally as a result of the township sinking during the 1987 earthquake). In July 2004 the town suffered flooding which extensively damaged homes.
The Council included $2.96 million in the Ten-year Plan during 2006-09 to provide for rural and urban flood hazard mitigation for the Edgecumbe community. However, it is expected that around $987,000 of this project will be funded from other parties. An investigation of options is underway and this will be finalised by June 2007.
Other
The Council will also undertake natural hazard planning in 2006/07 at a cost of $76,000. The Council needs to have better information to manage the risks of identified hazards within the District. The project will firstly identify what hazard information is available and its adequacy. This will then enable the Council to prioritise any further information needs.
The Plan also includes provision to decrease the risk of localised flooding within Whakatane.
For more information about disaster mitigation projects you can email the Project Manager- Community Projects or phone on 07 306 0500.