Long-term solutions for South Dunedin’s flood-affected residents could face trouble if "political cycles" get in the way of implementation, a community leader says.
An independent reference group established by the Ministry for the Environment this month advised the government to take decisions with urgency so climate adaptation approaches could be "fully in place" by 2045.
The central government timeline appears at odds with the multibillion-dollar visions for 2100 presented locally as part of South Dunedin Future — a joint work programme by the Dunedin city and Otago regional councils to develop a comprehensive climate change adaptation plan for the area.
South Dunedin Community Network chairman Mike Hammond said the proposed 20-year timeframe for adaptation plans might be more agreeable.
"Political cycles can somewhat influence decisions, meaning potential delays and increased costs for longer-term plans," Mr Hammond said.
"Being pragmatic and thinking about households who continue to be impacted by flood events, appears to make a 20-year plan sounds like a more common sense option."
Today, the Otago Regional Council will consider a report from programme manager Jonathan Rowe on feedback from more than 1200 individuals and organisations on the seven potential plans for South Dunedin’s future.
Nearly 60% supported an estimated $2.8 billion proposal to create "space for water" in the low-lying suburb by 2100.
On the other hand, 73% of respondents said the status quo — which would cost an estimated $2b — was taking South Dunedin in the "wrong direction", Mr Rowe said.
The least popular option was to "let water in" and plan a large-scale managed retreat from the area, estimated to cost $5b.
The Dunedin City Council will consider the same report at next week’s meeting.
The Otago Daily Times asked regional and city councillors to weigh in on the matter ahead of the meetings.
Some said the planned timeframe was "realistic", or appropriate, given the range of stakeholders and significance of the proposed adaptations.
Regional councillor Elliot Weir said while it was critical the city council address short-term issues, the South Dunedin Future programme was focused on long-term planning.
"The urgent short-term infrastructure challenges, such as the issues on Surrey St, and the longer-term planning for the future of the entire community are two overlapping but distinct issues and we should be careful not to conflate the two."
Other councillors said short-term solutions should be the priority and would better serve South Dunedin residents.
They called for continued upgrades of basic infrastructure in the area.
City councillor Andrew Whiley said he struggled "with some of the narrative" in Mr Rowe’s report, but continually asking residents’ thoughts was "not the best plan either".
"Many are worn out and just want to see council support them and find some positive short-term solutions."
COUNCILLORS’ VIEWS
Dunedin City Council
"This coalition government has certainly not given the current climate crisis the attention it deserves, which extends to not supporting many aspects of the South Dunedin Future work. Thankfully, governments change!" —
Cr Steve Walker
"We have a great community in South Dunedin. We need to support them. I struggle with some of the narrative in the report but doing nothing is not an option. The likes of Forbury Park, Tonga and Bathgate park are the easiest place to start when it comes to relief areas." —
Cr Andrew Whiley
"Feedback I’ve had at community meetings is that some feel we’re moving too slowly, however we’re talking billion-dollar decisions, so we need to have a comprehensive robust data-driven plan to be able to make those tough decisions we’ll have to make." —
Cr Sophie Barker
"The government has not been forthcoming in indicating its support. In fact, recent announcements signalling no future buyouts by central government is an indication of their abdicating responsibility as we literally weather the storms!" —
Cr Christine Garey
"Due to more regular rain events central government seems to be taking a reactive approach opposed to a proactive approach to flood management in New Zealand now which is a shame as South Dunedin should qualify as great test case for flood mitigation which could benefit the entire country going forward." —
Cr Brent Weatherall
Otago Regional Council
"As a South Dunedin local, I’m keen for an adaptation plan that is led by the local community, provides intergenerational clarity to residents and property owners, and enables South Dunedin to grow into something even greater than the present day. Change is coming and will cost lots of money, whether we plan for it or not — so we’d be foolish not to." —
Cr Elliot Weir
"I think grandiose catastrophising has left the residents with less municipal water management than they should be expecting as ratepayers. Hopefully within central government’s demands that councils focus on the basics, that DCC sorts what the residents need now as a priority, and worry about the next hundred years in perhaps a hundred years." —
Cr Gary Kelliher
"Governance and policy makers can do all the consultation, all the future gazing and all the policy development they like but no matter what final decision is made South Dunedin residents need their council to keep the basic infrastructure up to scratch and performing to its designed standards." —
Cr Kevin Malcolm
"Aligning local body objectives with central government direction, at the moment, seems to be an oxymoron. I would like to think otherwise." —
Cr Tim Mepham
"It has been a long road of scientific investigation and community engagement to get this far, so let’s not rush the final stages of decision making. There is a clear call for some immediate action, along with a long-term plan to set up an enduring future. Nobody wants to return in 20 or 30 years to ask the same questions." —
Cr Alan Somerville
ruby.shaw@odt.co.nz
