Council to change order of flood works

A change in the order of flood protection works to be completed along the Water of Leith during the next seven years could affect rates.

The Otago Regional Council has prepared a new implementation plan for the long-proposed works in preparation for the council's 2012-22 long-term plan.

Engineering manager Ramon Strong said in a report to the engineering and hazards committee to be considered tomorrow that as the remaining work was almost entirely located within the University of Otago campus, the university's planning had the "most significant influence" on the order of the work.

That had meant changes to the work included in the previous long-term plan, he said.

Council staff had been liaising regularly with university property services staff so the two organisations' plans aligned.

As a result, the council proposed to tackle the work between St David St and Union St next (2013-14) instead of Union St to Leith or Clyde Sts. Then the work which had been proposed to occur first - Dundas St to St David St - would take place the following year.

Indications that there could be scope for simplifying scheme implementation in that area with the redevelopment of the university campus bounded by Castle St, Dundas St and Montgomery Ave appeared more limited than first thought, Mr Strong said.

"Much of the potential simplification may not fit with the university's development plans for that locality."

Work on the bend of the Leith straddled by the university's information technology services building was still scheduled for 2016-17, while work on the Dundas St bridge was set down for the following year.

"Works on the ITS building/bend are placed as far back as the staging will allow on the assumption the university will remove this building."

The change in the order would affect cashflow requirements in the first two years. Funds required in the coming year would be less than last budgeted but more would be needed in the 2013-14 year so the effect on rates would be assessed as part of the long-term plan process, he said.

Last year, the council reassessed the scheme after the cost more than doubled to $59.3 million. After consultation the council dropped the Lindsay Creek component.

- rebecca.fox@odt.co.nz

 

Add a Comment