The impacts of climate change are evident in some of the extreme weather events we have seen over the last year.
In late May 2021, Canterbury experienced significant rainfall that led to widespread flooding, which had devastating impacts across the region. A regional state of emergency was declared, and support was mobilised for communities who were dealing with the damage.
That event impacted regional infrastructure – main roading links in particular – as well as personal property, and did damage to the flood protection system that we have in place along the river. The extent of the impact was such that central government has pledged funds to support the rebuild of flood protection, and we need to fund our share.
Ongoing repair and recovery
By carrying out flood protection work quickly, the region will recover faster and land, homes and communities will be protected from future events.
Because of the regional significance of the May 2021 flood, the Government’s National Emergency Management Agency have committed to co-fund about $7.5 million of the recovery work. The total for the recovery work is estimated to be almost $20 million.
We need to fund our share - $12.2 million. We will borrow this money over two years, up to $6.1 million in 2022/23 and up to $6.1 million in 2023/24 and pay that back over 10 years from general rates.
While this approach recognises the ‘one-off’ nature of this event, climate change modelling tells us we will see more large-scale flood events, and more frequently. We will continue to charge targeted rates to properties in rating districts to maintain and improve flood protection, and to ensure we are well-prepared for the future.
How does this impact your rates?
Overall this will see an increase of $0.8 million in expenditure across the region. The impact on individual rates will vary dependent on valuations, location and other factors. We will continue to charge targeted rates to properties in rating districts to maintain and improve flood protection, and to ensure that we are well prepared for any future events.
The impacts of climate change are evident in some of the extreme weather events we have seen over the last year.
In late May 2021, Canterbury experienced significant rainfall that led to widespread flooding, which had devastating impacts across the region. A regional state of emergency was declared, and support was mobilised for communities who were dealing with the damage.
That event impacted regional infrastructure – main roading links in particular – as well as personal property, and did damage to the flood protection system that we have in place along the river. The extent of the impact was such that central government has pledged funds to support the rebuild of flood protection, and we need to fund our share.
Ongoing repair and recovery
By carrying out flood protection work quickly, the region will recover faster and land, homes and communities will be protected from future events.
Because of the regional significance of the May 2021 flood, the Government’s National Emergency Management Agency have committed to co-fund about $7.5 million of the recovery work. The total for the recovery work is estimated to be almost $20 million.
We need to fund our share - $12.2 million. We will borrow this money over two years, up to $6.1 million in 2022/23 and up to $6.1 million in 2023/24 and pay that back over 10 years from general rates.
While this approach recognises the ‘one-off’ nature of this event, climate change modelling tells us we will see more large-scale flood events, and more frequently. We will continue to charge targeted rates to properties in rating districts to maintain and improve flood protection, and to ensure we are well-prepared for the future.
How does this impact your rates?
Overall this will see an increase of $0.8 million in expenditure across the region. The impact on individual rates will vary dependent on valuations, location and other factors. We will continue to charge targeted rates to properties in rating districts to maintain and improve flood protection, and to ensure that we are well prepared for any future events.
