$550,000 stormwater upgrade for Maketū

Funding has been approved for a $550,000 culvert upgrade to help reduce flooding impacts in Maketū.

The upgrade will see a second culvert put in place under Maketū Road, and the exisiting culvert extended, to improve waterflow through the Otumakoro Stream during heavy rain.

Inlet and outlet stuctures will also be strengthened, a 2.5m shared pathway built, and fish-friendly valves installed to protect the stream’s natural environment.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Projects and Monitoring Committee this week committed $368,000 towards the project. The remaining $182,000 is being funded by the Maketū Community Board.

The existing culvert, near Spencer Avenue West, has long been identified as a constriction point in the stormwater network, limiting how much water can pass through during significant rainfall events.

The upgrade is expected to reduce water levels upstream during storm events, decrease the frequency of flooding affecting nearby properties, and reduce how often the road closes due to overtopping at Maketū Road.

"This is a project the Maketū community has been advocating for over a number of years, and we're pleased to be able to move it forward,” says Maketū-Te Puke Ward Councillor Shane Beech.

"The upgrade won't eliminate flooding across the wider Maketū area, but it will improve the capacity of the stream crossing, and reduce pressure on the network during heavy rainfall.

“This is a positive outcome for our community. We've seen the impact flooding can have on residents and on access through the township, so it's great to see it going ahead."

Calum Mclean, Council’s Director Transportation, says the project balances community expectations with infrastructure priorities.

"This project provides clear benefits for the local area and is the strongest infrastructure option available. While it isn't a complete solution to flood risk across the Maketū floodplain, it is a worthwhile investment that will improve the performance of existing infrastructure and deliver environmental benefits at the same time."

The project includes:

• Installation of a new 850mm concrete culvert alongside the existing 900mm culvert
• Extension of the existing culvert
• Construction of reinforced concrete inlet and outlet structures
• Installation of fish-friendly flap valves to support aquatic passage while protecting against tidal intrusion
• A new 2.5m shared concrete pathway

Tangata whenua will be re-engaged before physical works begin, and nearby residents and other stakeholders will be notified ahead of construction.

Project planning and procurement will now go ahead, with detailed timing for construction to be confirmed.