Project Start Year: 2025
The Puerua Flood Protection Strengthening project upgrades and repairs stopbanks and associated flood resilience infrastructure around the Paretai area between the Clutha River Koau branch and the Puerua River.
The Puerua Flood Protection Strengthening project repairs and reinforces the existing floodbank along the true left bank of the Puerua River, starting 800 metres downstream of Owaka Highway and extending about 2 kilometres. Flood events in 2024 caused slumping and piping through sections of the floodbank, reducing its ability to protect surrounding farmland and infrastructure.
The project involves emergency repairs to areas at risk of imminent failure and geotechnical investigations and remediation along sections showing evidence of piping. These works restore the floodbank’s stability and maintain the performance of the Lower Clutha Flood Protection and Drainage Scheme, keeping farmland, homes, and infrastructure safe. Construction for the emergency works began in early 2025, with full remediation expected by June 2028.
Benefits
The project protects approximately 1,250 people, over 480 homes, 9,500 hectares of farmland, key roads, bridges, and rail networks. By repairing and strengthening the floodbank, the project reduces flood risk, safeguards property, and supports public safety.
Adaptation
Reinforcing the floodbank improves its ability to cope with future high-flow events and extreme weather, helping the community adapt to changing flood risks and climate patterns.
Resilience
The strengthened floodbank increases long-term resilience in the Paretai area by helping to prevent rapid failure during floods, protecting people, homes, farmland, and essential infrastructure.
Collaboration
This project has been co-funded through the Regional Investment Fund (RIF) and Otago Regional Council
The project builds on partnerships with local councils, suppliers, and funding partners, using expertise from previous related works. Local suppliers will be prioritised to support continuity and regional workforce capacity.
By repairing and strengthening the Puerua floodbank, the project supports the Lower Clutha Flood Protection Scheme to protect the community, farmland, and infrastructure, keeping the area safer and more resilient for the future.
