Environment Canterbury in conjunction with the Timaru District Council have completed survey work on Washdyke Creek with a view to improving the level of flood protection for the town’s business area, just north of Timaru. The councils are aiming to increase the creek’s flood carrying capacity to 280 cubic metres per second by widening the channel and raising the height of the stopbanks. Staff are now moving into the design phase of the process.

“The creek flows underneath State Highway 1 and through the Washdyke industrial area so it is important that the area has good flood protection measures in place,” says Environment Canterbury’s Timaru-based natural hazards officer Phil Lees. 

Following the 1986 floods, the Washdyke Bridge on State Highway One was identified as a major impediment to high flows and it was upgraded in 1996. Environment Canterbury and the Timaru District Council have since done a lot of work on removing trees blocking the channel and improving the existing stopbanking.

The next stage relating to channel improvements has required resolution of land ownership matters which are being concluded.

“Once the survey and design work has been undertaken, the next step will be consultation with local businesses and property owners. Work could begin in the next two years, depending on finance being available and consents being approved,” says Phil Lees.

“The position of the new district council sewer pipeline will also reduce potential flooding near the railway bridge.

“The result of this work will be better flood protection that will benefit the whole Washdyke community in the future.”

For more information contact Phil Lees, Environment Canterbury Natural Hazards Officer, 03 687 7800.