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Managing our Environment

Flood Protection and River Management

ORC owns and manages flood protection and drainage assets across Otago to protect our local communities from experiencing the full extent of damaging flood events.  

 

ORC provides flood protection and land drainage to approximately 43,000ha rural and urban land in Otago. Our flood protection assets include over 200km of floodbanks, 12 pumping stations, 55 bridges, culverts and various other assets. We also own and manage a total of 7 flood protection and/or drainage schemes.

ORC manages flood protection and drainage infrastructure in the following areas: 

 

What is a flood protection and drainage scheme?

Flood protection and drainage schemes are designed to protect people and minimise damage to property, livestock and infrastructure from flood events. These schemes typically include floodbanks, drainage pumps, ponding areas, gravity gates and floodways.

 

Why do we need flood protection and drainage schemes?

Many of our communities are located in low-lying areas close to rivers with risks of flooding. ORC's flood protection and drainage schemes help to protect people and their livelihoods, including their homes, businesses and transport routes.

 

Flood protection and drainage schemes

Sea level rise may cause increasing flooding and drainage risks, especially in the Taieri and Lower Clutha areas. This is because they are flood plains, where large parts of the land are less than a metre above sea level. Read more

River Management Strategies

Our current river morphology and riparian management strategies for keeping our rivers healthy. Read more

Proposed Infrastructure Investment Programme 2024-2054

Learn more about the draft Infrastructure Strategy 2024-2054 and view an interactive map of the proposed work programme. Read more

Climate Resilience Programme

ORC’s Climate Resilience Programme will help build flood resilience for communities across Otago region. Read more

Designation of Lower Waitaki Flood Protection Assets

Read more

Flood Protection Management Bylaw

The Flood Protection Management Bylaw is the regulation that safeguards flood protection and land drainage assets owned or managed by Otago Regional Council. Read more

Operations and Rivers Work Programmes

The Engineering Team at Otago Regional Council undertake annual programmes of work, to manage water flow in waterways around Otago. Read more

Flood Repair Programme

Learn about our flood repair programme for affected communities after a flooding event. Read more

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