The first stage of flood protection work around Milton, aimed at preventing a repeat of recent floods in the town, has started.
Drainage improvement work began this week as part of an overall $1.1 million flood protection package initiated jointly by the Otago Regional Council and Clutha District Council.
A comprehensive integrated strategy for the town is being developed by the councils, with several flood protection and drainage improvements either planned or under way.
Milton was inundated by two major floods within the space of 15 months in 2006 and 2007.
The district council last week started construction on a drainage swale which will divert floodwater away from the Dryden St area in southeast Milton - one of the worst-affected areas in the two recent floods.
Meanwhile, the regional council has started upgrading a drain into which floodwater from the Dryden St swale will be diverted.
A downstream culvert, under Tokoiti Rd, has recently been upgraded.
Clutha Mayor Juno Hayes, who lives in Milton, said the Dryden St diversion project had been proposed for many years.
The council had obtained resource consent earlier this year and had recently signed an agreement with landowner John Stirling for the project to be built on his farmland.
"We very much appreciate Mr Stirling's co-operation in allowing this project to proceed, which will bring benefits for the wider urban Milton community."The district council has also received consents to build a pump station and floodbank to improve drainage throughout the town and expects these projects will start early next year.
Stephen Woodhead, the regional council's engineering and hazards committee chairman, was pleased the Macdonald family had allowed the regional council to upgrade the drain on their land.
"It is good to see that work has started to improve flood protection in the Milton areas and that the Otago Regional Council and the Clutha District Council are working well together on this significant project."
