Setting the course for Banks Peninsula waterways

A plan which aims to improve stormwater management across Banks Peninsula has been endorsed.

The Christchurch City Council Banks Peninsula Storm Water Management Plan was approved at yesterday's Te Pataka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula Community Board meeting. 

The plan lays out the ways the Council will meet the requirements of the Comprehensive Stormwater Network Discharge Consent (CSNDC), which was granted by Environment Canterbury in 2019.  

It also outlines how we can reduce contamination and progressively improve stormwater discharges in the 24 urban settlements of Banks Peninsula.

Community Board Chair Lyn Leslie said the plan is a great starting point for managing stormwater.  

“The work the Council has been doing over the last five years has identified problems impacting the quality of stormwater, so now we have this plan, we can take stock and work out the best way forward for the unique landscape of the Peninsula,” she said. 

“It includes some physical work such as stream restoration, installing stormwater treatment devices, and improving erosion control at development sites. 

“These will help reduce the impact of pollutants in the water, support biodiversity, and work alongside mana whenua to protect cultural values connected to water,” she said. 

The catchments on Banks Peninsula are ecologically significant with more than 100 small streams flowing into Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour and Akaroa Harbour. 

While most of the peninsula is rural or conservation land, urban activities in settlements still have an effect on water quality and stream health.

The plan will be submitted to Council next week for approval.