The preparation of a formal Flood Mitigation Strategy for the Queenstown Lakes District will be completed in the first half of next year, QLDC chief executive Duncan Field said.

The strategy was a joint venture initiative between QLDC and the Otago Regional Council.

"We now have contracted consultant engineer Hanna Taylor for the purpose of delivering this project. She will be engaging in consultation with retailers, residents and contractors who have experienced flooding and those who are established in flood prone areas," Mr Field said.

It was a matter of 'learning to live' with high lake levels rather than doing major physical works to hold back huge amounts of water.

The brief outlined five initiatives proposed to mitigate against the risk and impact of flooding.

"Our starting point is that it is accepted by ORC and QLDC that flooding in the Wakatipu Basin is a primarily natural process that to a large extent cannot be physically controlled," Mr Field said.

The strategy would cover the following elements:

• A guideline for businesses to aid in implementing flood sensitive design to minimise flood damage.
• Updating warning systems and flood forecasting and clarifying the role of various organisations.
• Looking at potential requirements for new buildings, especially whether it?s practical to raise floor heights.
• Revisiting the flood wall option comprising investigation of a temporary flood wall.

"Liaison and consultation with the public and private sector will be pivotal in the success of the projects. Various means of raising flood awareness through forums, community meetings and improved relationships between the Council and commercial community will also be explored," Mr Field said.

ENDS

For further information please contact Duncan Field 03 441 0499 or 0274 514 958

By: Tamah