A $132.5million property acquisition scheme to adapt to climate change was turned down by the Treasury after a change in government.
Mr Radich said at a Dunedin City Council meeting this week it was not the end of the matter, as other possible initiatives "might fit better" with the government’s climate mitigation ambitions.
He was optimistic the government would be open minded in considering a subsequent proposal.
"I have mentioned to the appropriate minister that I will be coming back with one."
South Dunedin is facing rising sea levels and shallow groundwater, and storms are expected to become more frequent.
A business case said the plan to buy properties was necessary and "the only approach that satisfactorily addresses key problems of current and future natural hazard risk, status quo investment risk, and downstream systemic shocks".
The funding would have enabled gradual voluntary sales, rather than property values plummeting as floods became more frequent.
Cr Christine Garey said South Dunedin was the poster child for climate change mitigation and adaptation.
"It’s just a pity that the government didn’t look upon it this way."
She asked South Dunedin Future programme manager Jonathan Rowe if feedback was received about why the bid was declined.
"Not on the specifics, no," he said.
The Otago Daily Times received some information from the Treasury on the subject.
The previous government had established a national resilience plan and set aside $6billion from a multi-year capital allowance to provide funding for projects.
About $3.2b, comprising a mix of capital and operating expenditure, was unallocated when the new government axed the plan as part of the Budget this year.
The government "established a process" to update how climate-related natural hazard risks were managed in New Zealand, including frameworks for investment and cost sharing, the Treasury said.
"The government has also established a $1.2b regional infrastructure fund, of which $200m has been initially dedicated to flood protection and resilience projects."
Applications opened last month.
South Dunedin Future is working on a risk assessment that is expected to provide eye-opening insights down to suburb or city-block level.
"It won’t be welcome news for many," Cr Garey said.
"It will be unsettling for others, but it is work we have to do."
Cr Carmen Houlahan agreed the programme was proactive and there had been a lot of engagement with residents to keep them informed.
