Completed in April 2024, the Gore upgrade strengthened priority sections of the town’s flood-infrastructure network, reducing impacts on homes, businesses, and key road and rail links between Murihiku Southland and the rest of the South Island. It sits within a wider programme to sustain agreed service levels and lessen flood effects across the Mataura catchment.
In February 2020, very high flows in the Mataura River pushed Gore’s flood banks close to capacity, prompting the evacuation of more than 2,500 residents. The flood banks performed as intended but required significant repairs. The upgrade targeted high-risk and discontinuous sections to restore performance and strengthen the system for future high-flow events.
Key works:
- Constructed a new flood bank along Ontario and Toronto Streets, replacing the existing concrete wall.
- Upgraded stormwater culverts and drainage structures.
- Removed high-risk trees along River and Richmond Streets to reduce erosion and maintenance risks.
- Completed earthworks and re-grassing to improve bank stability and reduce future erosion.
