The Otago Regional Council has agreed to further investigate the option of building a detention pond in Northeast Valley, Dunedin, to contain flood waters from Lindsay Creek, but has called for a "cautious" approach to be taken.
An $840,000 project, using a part of Chingford Park as a "detention" area, complemented by "small-scale localised works" between Palmers Quarry bridge and Pentland St and temporary flood detention upstream of the Forrester Park landfill, was considered by the engineering and hazards committee yesterday.
As recommended in the report on the plan, the committee approved development of a works programme and funding options for consideration in the next annual plan, but also requested a "cost-benefit report" be carried out by council staff.
There was agreement among councillors that while the idea seemed good, it was important the proposal represented good value for money.
There was also some concern the cost of the project could go beyond $840,000.
Council chairman Stephen Woodhead said he agreed with other council members that while the plan looked "interesting", it was important the council took a "cautious" approach.
The latest plan comes after an investigation of options for dealing with the creek's flooding hazard.
The council had dropped plans for extensive works as part of the Leith Lindsay flood protection schemebecause they were deemed too expensive for ratepayers.
Lindsay Creek was considered to provide a higher flood risk than acceptable for an urban area, the report said.
About 450 homes, schools, roads and commercial properties had some degree of exposure to flooding from the creek.
