Help offered after BOP flooding

Landowners are being offered help to fix damage caused by heavy rainfall and flooding in Bay of Plenty this week.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council said many land owners would have erosion damage, and other issues such as trees fallen into waterways.

Land management manager Robyn Skelton said the council was able to provide advice, support and in some instances funding for managing riverbank areas.

The heavy rain had brought some of the worst flooding in the western bay in many years, Ms Skelton said.

"We certainly needed a good rainfall, but because it has fallen heavily over such a short period of time, it is putting pressure on drainage systems and the rivers are also very full which is causing damage to banks, as well as flooding the river flood zones."

"While most of the water is likely to drain in the following days, many land owners will be facing erosion damage and other possible issues like trees that have fallen into waterways."

The council suggests landowners:

- Inspect waterways to see if there are any issues or blockages

- Check that fences along stream and river banks were still in place and keeping stock out of the water

- Avoid driving over paddocks or harvesting crops under wet conditions

- Keep stock out of ephemeral gully areas during heavy rain.

For more information land owners can phone 0800 884 880.

 

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