Flood Protection At Little River

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30563, 5 October 1964, Page 10

Flood Protection At Little River

A flood control scheme to protect 20 private and commercial buildings in Little River, and hundreds of acres of low-lying land between the township and Lake Forsyth, is to be considered by the Wairewa County Council.

The scheme includes the opening of Lake Forsyth when it reaches a level 2ft lower than the existing one. The lake at present is released when the level reaches 9.38 ft. The new proposal is to release it at 7.38 ft The county clerk (Mr L. Weallens) said the scheme would be along more modest lines than an earlier one prepared by the North Canterbury Catchment Board 12 months ago. This scheme, which was rejected by a meeting of ratepayers, involved considerable stop-banking of streams at a total estimated cost of £50,000. If the new scheme is approved, the streams will be cleared of willows and other obstructions with only a minimum amount of stopbank construction. Not Cultivated

Because of the risk of soil and crop losses, a large area of floodable land is not at present cultivated. Much of this land is badly infested with tall fescue, but because the area is frequently submerged by water from Lake Forsyth, eradication by cultivation has proved difficult. In its original report, the catchment board estimated that if floods were prevented in the area, there would be an increase in stock and crops of 924 ewes, 40 head of cattle and 49 acres each of peas and barley to give a total monetary gain of £10,178 gross a year.

Mr Weallens had no idea what the new scheme would cost, but said the council would probably declare a special rating area. When the scheme is prepared, it will be considered by the ratepayers; five per cent of whom could demand a poll on the issue.