Fate of Franz Josef southbank not ours to decide: council

Fate of Franz Josef southbank not ours to decide: council

West Coast Regional Council chair Peter Haddock pictured last August on the newly upgraded north bank floodwall. Capital programme manager Tom Hopkins in the background. PHOTO: LOIS WILLIAMS/LDR The long-term fate of Franz Josef farms, homes and businesses on the south bank of the Waiho (Waiau) River lies with the Westland District Council.

Milestone in protection of Franz Josef from floods

A major step in protecting Franz Josef township on the West Coast has been officially completed. Stage 1 of the Franz Josef Flood Protection Scheme, a major regional infrastructure project supported by a $9.2 million government grant will boost the resilience and safety of Franz Josef, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. “The vulnerability of Franz Josef to flooding is well known. The completion of stage 1 works - installing stopbank…