In 2023, the 16 regional and unitary councils of New Zealand submitted a business case (Before the Deluge) to the Government to consider co-investment in flood protection projects to improve community resilience against extreme weather events.
In response, as part of the Budget 2024, the Government dedicated $101.1 million from its Regional Infrastructure Fund towards 42 flood resilience projects that were close to getting started.
This includes funding of $12.564 million to accelerate six flood management infrastructure projects totalling $23.25 million in the Waikato region, which is a great outcome for our communities.
Government co-investment reduces the cost of flood protection to ratepayers and improves the affordability of the council’s responsibility for flood protection.
The projects that are being funded form a critical part of our planned regular renewal and maintenance programme.
Flood protection in the Waikato region
- The replacement value of our extensive flood protection infrastructure is $1.1 billion.
- 300,000ha of land is protected by our flood protection infrastructure.
- Our regional economy is boosted by $2.2 billion due to being able to use this land productively.
- Several key “golden triangle” transport corridors are more resilient because of our flood protection infrastructure, including State Highway 1, SH2, SH25, SH26, SH27 and the main trunk railway.
- The council estimates it will cost $2.9 billion over the next 50 years to operate, maintain and renew our flood protection infrastructure.
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