More information needed for Estuary works

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32879, 30 March 1972, Page 12

More information needed for Estuary works

The Christchurch Drainage Board had called for additional information from the hydraulic research centre at Wallingford, England, before making any decision on Estuary works, the chairman of the board’s works committee (Mr T. B. Whelan) said yesterday.

“Until this information comes to hand, is studied by the board’s staff and consultants, and a final report from the latter is prepared and submitted, little work is possible on Estuapr schemes and on those relating to drainage which are tied to Estuary improvements,” Mr Whelan said.

No final decision would be made until the ecology report on the area, being compiled by Professor G. A. Knox, had been studied, nor would action be taken before the

North Canterbury Catchment Board, Government departments, and other interested bodies had had a chance to comment on any

suggested proposal. The initial report from the Wallingford research centre, received in two parts, recommends a tidal barrage near the Estuary mouth for maximum flood alleviation, dredged low-water channels in both the Heathcote and Avon rivers, and the construction of the Woolston Cut in the Heathcote River. Overall dredging of the Estuary for water sports was not recommended, but the report said that further dredging of the rivers’ low-water channels for rowing and yachting courses would improve drainage.