Have a say on quake issues
CHB District Council has begun consultation to identify priority routes — the first step towards identifying earthquake-prone buildings in CHB under new legislative requirements.
The Building (EarthquakeProne Buildings) Amendment Act 2016 has created a new system and process for identifying and managing earthquake-prone buildings in New Zealand.
The amendment is based on recommendations from the Canterbury Earthquakes Royal Commission into the Canterbury quakes which resulted in 185 deaths and major destruction.
The first part of the new system is to consult with the public on priority routes which could be affected by the collapse of earthquake-prone buildings in the event of a serious earthquake.
Council’s finance and planning committee adopted a Statement of Proposal for public consultation at its meeting last Thursday.
The Statement of Proposal identifies priority routes in the town centres of Waipukurau and Waipawa.
A building located on a priority route will have a shorter time to bring their buildings up to standard or be demolished.
“We want to hear from the community if we have got the priority routes right.
“Have we included too many or does the community agree with the proposed priority routes?” said Alison Francis, council’s customer and consents lead.
Doug Tate, council’s customer and community partnerships group manager, said council understood there would be uncertainty in the community as a result of starting the consultation.
“We hope to give confidence and clarity to business and building owners with forums to provide information and other future projects such as Town Centre Plans proposed, to ensure we have vibrant and strong town centres now and into the future.”
The first forum for businesses and building owners is being held this evening from 5.30pm to 7pm at the Waipukurau Club.
The Statement of Proposal document can be viewed at the district libraries and council offices in Waipawa or Waipukurau and at chbdc.govt.nz
People with queries or concerns can contact council on 06 857 8060 or email epb@chbdc.govt.nz.
Consultation closes at 5pm on Friday October 12.