Flood protection project opened

A $13.1 million initiative to protect Milford Sound from flooding was officially opened by Southern civic leaders last week.

Clutha-Southland MP and deputy prime minister Bill English was joined by Southland Mayor Frana Cardno, Environment Southland chairwoman Ali Timms, Department of Conservation deputy-director general Sue Tucker and 80 invited guests for the ribbon cutting to celebrate the completion of the Cleddau Flood Protection Project.

The Doc-managed project established an early flood warning system, upgraded and extended the existing stopbanks and protected the Cleddau Village from backwater ponding from Deepwater Basin by raising the village by up to 4m.

"The work was essential to supporting businesses within Fiordland National Park," Doc area manager Reg Kemper said.

"Although the department hasn't previously undertaken work of this type on this scale, we stepped in to lead the project, ensuring that tourism and conservation values were protected and completing the project on time and within budget."

To complete the project, all staff had to be accommodated away from the existing village and the buildings had to be removed to allow the ground to be raised, Mr Kemper said.

"Timing was extremely tight. It was thanks to good relationships with businesses and drive by the contractors that the village raising was able to be done in the four month winter window, with staff back in the new locations in time for the surge of Rugby World Cup supporters."

The Government invested in the project in 2008.

Ms Cardno said the project had flown under the radar of most of Southland and the rest of New Zealand, but was a protected national tourism resource and a very special and unique part of the country.

Ms Timms said the project helped ensure resilience to the remote location and confirmed Environment Southland would take over the long-term maintenance of the completed flood works.