The Southland region is set to benefit from a major funding boost for flood protection, with the Government confirming nearly $15 million to support two key infrastructure upgrades. Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds welcomed the move, calling it “a positive step in future-proofing this province and its people”.
The funding, delivered through the Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF), will go towards upgrading the stopbanks for Invercargill and Ōreti, as well as making improvements to the Mataura River flood protection systems in Gore and Mataura. Combined, these projects will help protect more than 10,000 residents and 7,500 hectares of land.
“Both the Invercargill and Ōreti Flood Resilience stopbank upgrades and Mataura River Flood protection improvements are another significant step towards future-proofing our province,” said Ms Simmonds.
She said Southland is especially prone to flooding and that these upgrades are essential. “Southland is particularly vulnerable to flooding and we can't hope to protect our province on our own. That's why this $14.91m in funding from Government is so critical and important, with Environment Southland co-funding up to $9.94m towards the projects.”
Work will occur in key locations across the region, including Gore, Mataura, Invercargill, Winton, Lumsden, and Oreti. The projects aim to safeguard not only homes and farmland, but also essential infrastructure that powers the region’s economy.
“This is our best option for protecting farmers and their stock, people's homes in residential areas and business and commercial properties – along with the vital infrastructure that powers Southland's economy,” Ms Simmonds said.
The two Southland projects include:
- Mataura River flood protection improvements, receiving $10.8 million in RIF funding towards an $18 million project.
- Invercargill and Ōreti stopbank upgrades, receiving $4.11 million from RIF, with a total project cost of $6.85 million.
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones said the national investment of close to $97 million in 32 projects would help shield over 30,000 homes and 350,000 hectares of land from future flooding.
“Flooding doesn’t just damage roads, pipes and power poles – it disrupts communities, livelihoods and local economies,” he said.
Mr Jones said 22 of the 32 projects are located in the South Island, reflecting the urgent need for better infrastructure to cope with extreme weather. “These are pragmatic and high-impact investments that will make a real difference in these communities,” he said.
The Government will fund 60% of the total cost of the projects, with local councils covering the rest. An additional $7.46 million has been allocated to install early warning systems across ten councils.