Bay of Plenty Regional Council has secured a second round of Government funding to support critical flood protection projects across the region.

This co-investment was allocated through the Before the Deluge programme, a collaborative initiative by regional and unitary councils to gain Government support for regional infrastructure projects that enable long-term resilience, productivity and economic prosperity.

Council chief executive Fiona McTavish said the funding would help deliver essential upgrades, while remaining future focused in the face of climate change.

“Flood protection infrastructure is our first line of defence against increasingly frequent and severe weather events,” she said.

“Investing upfront in resilience is far more cost effective than responding to the impacts after the fact.

“These projects are about protecting lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure, and ensuring our communities are equipped to adapt to a changing climate.”

The co-investment is allocated from the Regional Infrastructure Fund and covers up to 60 percent of the budgeted project costs. The remaining costs will be funded primarily through rivers and drainage scheme targeted rates.

This latest round of projects includes a $2.3 million Ōpōtiki township flood protection infrastructure project with a co-investment of $1.38 million. It includes stopbank upgrades around Duke Street West and State Highway 2 works, with delivery by Ōpōtiki District Council.

Other Eastern Bay projects include the $5.2 million Rangitaiki-Tarawera river scheme project ($3.12 million co-investment) and the $4.4 million Whakatāne-Tauranga Rivers Scheme project ($2.64 million co-investment).