Work to address erosion, flood risk approved

CHRISTCHURCH: Work to address erosion and flood risk in Southshore and South New Brighton has been approved by the Christchurch City Council.

In Southshore, that will include replacing or covering structures along the edge of the Avon Heathcote Estuary to reduce the erosion risk and constructing a new bund near the current one.

In South New Brighton, a new bund will be built between the jetty near Beatty St and the southern end of the camping ground in Halsey St, and the estuary edge will be restored with a cobble beach.

Council staff said some of this work would reduce the flooding risk to 450 homes as well as a nearby camping ground.

The estimated cost of the work was $12.5 million.

Before the vote to approve the work, Meg Roulston, of the Southshore Residents’ Association, told councillors it had been a long road getting there.

‘‘The process for this beautiful and connected community has been arduous,’’ she said.

‘‘I want you to bring humanity to the estuary edge.’’

There had been concerns about people’s wellbeing because these issues had not been addressed, she said.

The vote to approve the work, subject to funding being agreed to in the 202131 longterm plan, was unanimous. — The New Zealand Herald