Agenda of Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee

	Agenda Item	Action	Person Responsible	Status Comment
Aug	8	Issues arising from April Storm 1. Keep the Committee informed on Kopuawhara Scheme progress. 2. Farm Foresters be reminded of their responsibility in good forestry practices around waterways.	MA AN	Paper at today’s meeting Senior Staff working with forestry sector and have met with farm foresters with further meetings planned.
Aug 11	10	Heretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme - Rivers: Review Of Levels Of Service 1. Provide a copy of presentation slides to Councillors and also to Chamber of Commerce.	MA/SC	Completed

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee

Wednesday 16 November 2011

SUBJECT: Kopuawhara Flood Repairs

REASON FOR REPORT

1. At its meeting on 17 August 2011, the Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee considered a report on the April 2011 storm event that impacted the Region. The Committee were advised that works estimated to cost $120,000 were required as a result of damage caused during the event.

2. How that work should be funded was not decided at that meeting. This report sets a proposal for the funding of that works for Council consideration and approval.

BACKGROUND

3. In February 2007 Council completed its most recent review of its infrastructure asset insurance. Council’s Disaster Damage Risk Management policy is set out in section 2.5 of Councils Policy handbook. (Copy attached as Appendix 1 for Committee member information).

The policy states that:

3.1. Reserves will always be a funding call of last resort e.g. if priorities can be re-established to cover the expenditure, or if unbudgeted income is received these sources of funds will be used.

3.2. Reserves will be used to meet the cost of reinstatement of infrastructure assets (to an equivalent standard to that in place before the damage was incurred).

3.3. The initial cost of restoring the Council’s infrastructure assets (to be referred to as Scheme Excesses) will be met by each relevant Flood Control and Drainage Scheme to a maximum level per Scheme of 2.5% of the replacement value of edge protection, plus 2% of the replacement value of stopbanks and detention dams plus, 1.5% of the replacement value of all drainage assets of each Scheme. This obligation will be met by Disaster Damage Investment Funds and annual maintenance budgets able to be redirected to repairing disaster damage.

4. The Scheme excess for the Kopuawhara Scheme is $5,000. This includes an expectation that $1,000 of this cost will be met from redirected maintenance programme for that financial year.

The financial situation for the Scheme is as follows:

Scheme rates for 2011/12	$6,904
Scheme operating reserve balance as at 1 July 2011	$17,271
Scheme disaster reserve balance	$2,876
Scheme work programme for 2011/12 able to be redirected to repair work	$3,000
Scheme maintenance programme required for scheme operation and maintenance work during 2011/12	$3,000
Regional disaster fund (as at 1 July 2011)	$3,500,000

5. The works recommended in the Flood report are both flood damage repairs and works to improve the scheme assets. There is also work that will provide little benefit to the Scheme but significant benefit to an individual land owner.

6. The estimated costs of disaster repair, improvement and private benefit works, and sources of funding are set out in the table below.

Work description (refer attached plan)	Estimated cost (Incl. Design & 5 Year costs) plus $3,000 per yr maint.	Flood damage repairs to scheme assets	Improvements to Scheme assets	Works with largely private benefit
Year 1 (Priority 1 & 2)	33,400	26,300		7,100
Year 2 (Priority 3 & 5)	31,400	9,500	21,900
Year 3 (Priority 4 & 6)	29,700	23,200	6,500
Year 4 (Priority 7)	28,900		28,900
Total cost	123,400	59,000	57,300	7,100
Source of funds
Scheme disaster reserve		2,800
Redirected scheme works		2,200
Scheme operating reserve			57,300*
Regional disaster reserve		54,000
Land owner contribution				7,100
Total funds		59,000	57,300	7,100

* Note this work will be funded in the first place using -

a) The credit in the scheme operating account

b) Any routine maintenance able to be redirected

c) Internal borrowing which effectively means that the scheme will go into deficit. Rating levels may need to be reviewed in future years to address this.

Decision Making

7. Council is required to make a decision in accordance with Part 6 Sub-Part 1, of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained within this section of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only and no decision is to be made, the decision making provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 do not apply.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee recommend Council:

1. Approve the transfer of $54,000 from the Regional Disaster Fund to the Kopuawhara Scheme to meet the costs of damage repair following the April storm.

2. Agree to the Scheme operating account going into deficit to meet the costs of improvement works necessary to retain the Scheme Level of Service.

Gary Clode

Manager Engineering

Mike Adye

Group Manager Asset Management

Attachment/s

1 View

Council's Disaster Damage Risk Management policy

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee

Wednesday 16 November 2011

SUBJECT: Asset Management Plans

REASON FOR REPORT:

1. Asset Management Plans for Flood Control & Drainage Schemes outline the objectives and management philosophy for the Scheme and set out a programme of works to meet the Scheme objectives.

2. The assets associated with these schemes include stopbanks, pumping stations, drainage channels and live tree edge protection, as well as a number of structures. Their total depreciated replacement value for all Council administered Schemes is approximately $145 million.

3. The AMPs set out for the community, the level of service they can expect from these schemes, the work that is necessary to ensure that level of service continues to be provided and how that work is funded.

4. AMPs form the basis for the work programmes and funding included in Council’s draft 2012/22 Long Term Plan associated with these Schemes. The draft Plans will be audited as part of the Long Term Plan audit.

5. Any changes recommended as a result of that audit will be considered for inclusion in the final plan as will any changes to the text or financial forecasts as a result of Council comments or adjustment to the LTP.

6. This agenda item summarises the updated Heretaunga and Upper Tukituki Flood Control Scheme AMPs and key programmed works for the next ten years, and seeks Council adoption of these Plans.

Background

7. Copies of draft Executive Summaries for the Heretaunga Plains Scheme and Upper Tukituki Scheme are attached for Councillor information as Appendix 1 and 2 respectively. Copies of full plans are available on request at this stage however the Heretaunga Plains Scheme AMP is completed to advanced draft stage and the Upper Tukituki AMP will be completed by end of November. These are large documents and can be provided electronically either by email or on disc.

8. The Heretaunga Plains and Upper Tukituki AMPs were last updated in 2009. The current review has resulted in changes to the document formats and the inclusion of greater information regarding the Scheme customers, links to the LTCCP and the new multi-value approach to management of Council waterways. The asset condition information, work programmes and financial information have also been updated and greater use has been made of GIS mapping to convey information.

9. The ten smaller schemes will be amalgamated, into a single document. This will be completed following feedback from Audit NZ on approach taken in the Heretaunga and Upper Tukituki documents. It is expected that this will be completed for Council adoption early in 2012.

10. It is planned to develop a summary document covering all the Schemes for the general public. This will include less technical language and more use of photos and maps. This document will introduce the activities and assets managed by Council, as well as information on each scheme and will be useful when undertaking public consultation regarding the levels of service review.

11. Scheme Vision and Outcomes

11.1. The vision that for the next decade for the Heretaunga and Ruataniwha Plains communities is that they are very rarely affected by significant flooding and waterways within the scheme are highly valued, community assets.

11.2. Five key outcomes for the Schemes are:

11.2.1. The protection of life and communities

11.2.2. The sustainable use of land.

11.2.3. The protection and enhancement of ecology and water quality values.

11.2.4. The sustainable management of river sediment (gravel, sand and silt) resources.

11.2.5. The protection and enhancement of social and cultural values.

12. Significant Issues

12.1. The significant issues identified within the Scheme AMPs include:

12.1.1. Level of Service Review. The value of improvements on flood protected land have significantly increased since construction of the schemes. A case for an increased level of flood protection for the Heretaunga Plains has been identified. A similar case for the Upper Tukituki needs to be explored.

12.1.2. Risk Assessment. Both AMPs allow for further assessment of risks to the Schemes. In particular climate change may have significant impacts on the schemes and the level of service they provide. These implications and possible responses need to be investigated. Willow Sawfly still has the potential to significantly impact on the integrity of the live edge protection within the schemes. Both AMPs include regular monitoring to identify damage levels and areas at greater risk of erosion.

12.1.3. The sustainable management of gravel within the river systems is vital to scheme integrity, however there may be adverse impacts on river and coastal areas. A scoping study completed in 2011 has identified a programme of investigation and research to better understand the impacts of river gravel management on sediment supplies, in particular the impacts on the coast.

12.1.4. Waterway Enhancement. The development of flood protection and drainage schemes in Hawke’s Bay has resulted in significant changes to the natural hydrology, ecology and habitats of local waterways, as well as affecting the social and cultural values of these areas. Council adopted a multi-value approach in 2007 and the AMPs have been updated to reflect this new philosophy. A programme of enhancement projects is included in both the Heretaunga and Upper Tukituki Schemes.

The level of service review, risk assessment, gravel research and waterway enhancement have all been included in the programme for the next ten years.

13. Asset Condition and Value

13.1. Council’s flood control and drainage schemes have a combined asset replacement value of over $145 million (as of June 11). The Heretaunga Scheme is the largest at $98.5 million worth of assets, while the Upper Tukituki Scheme assets have a replacement value of $22.5 million.

13.2. In general, the assets within the Heretaunga and Upper Tukituki Schemes are considered to be in sound condition. Localised issues have been identified which include sections of stopbank requiring upgrading on the Upper Tukituki, Tutaekuri, and Ngaruroro Rivers, the Ahuriri Estuary and Taipo Stream. There are also areas of live edge protection which remain in moderate to poor condition due to Willow Sawfly damage and plant pests.

14. Key Works and Special Projects

14.1. The Schemes are currently in a maintenance phase focusing on achieving current levels of service (i.e. 1% Annual Excedance Probability (AEP) for flood control assets). The capital works identified are aimed to ensure assets meet the current level of service and include.

14.2. Heretaunga Plains

14.2.1. Key Capital works planned:

· Karamu-Clive widening

· Lower Tukituki River Control Groynes

· Environmental enhancement projects

14.3. Upper Tukituki

14.3.1. Capital works:

· Stopbank upgrade (Upper Tukituki)

· Environmental enhancement projects

14.3.2. A review of the Level of service provided by the Heretaunga Plains Scheme is planned over the next two years. This project will involve the development of a range of improvement options for the Scheme assets together with an assessment of the benefit of each of those options. Consultation on the options available will then provide Council with the necessary guidance to determine a future programme of work for the Scheme. Once this review has been completed, a similar review for the Upper Tukituki Scheme is proposed.

14.3.3. Other projects are aimed at improving information and understanding, as well as asset management processes. These are summarised in the improvement programme table (HPFCS) attached as Appendix 3.

15. Costs

15.1. Costs for the Schemes over the next ten years are summarised below:

Scheme	Operational	Capital	Renewals	Total
Scheme	($ million)	($ million)	($ million)	($ million)
HPFCS	$42.9	$17.4	$3.2	$63.5
UTTFCS	$6.5	$1.5	$0	$8.0

DECISION MAKING PROCESS

14.1 Sections 97 and 98 of the Act do not apply as these relate to decisions that significantly alter the service provision or affect a strategic asset.

14.2 Sections 83 and 84 covering special consultative procedure do not apply.

14.3 The decision does not fall within the definition of the Council’s policy on significance.

14.4 Section 80 of the Act covering decisions that are inconsistent with an existing policy or plan does not apply.

14.5 Council can exercise its discretion under Section 79(1)(a) and 82(3) of the Act and make a decision on this issue without conferring directly with the community or others having given due consideration to the nature and significance of the issue to be considered and decided, and also the persons likely to be effected by or have an interest in the decisions to be made.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee recommend Council:

1. Agrees that the decisions to be made are not significant under the criteria contained in Council’s adopted policy on significance and that Council can exercise its discretion under Sections 79(1)(a) and 82(3) of the Local Government Act 2002 and make decisions on this issue without conferring directly with the community and persons likely to be affected by or to have an interest in the decision due to the nature and significance of the issue to be considered and decided.

2. Adopts the Upper Tukituki and Heretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme Asset Management Plans subject to changes being made associated with recommendations from Audit NZ.

Larissa Coubrough

Asset Engineer

Gary Clode

Manager Engineering

Mike Adye

Group Manager Asset Management

Attachment/s

1	HP Exec Summary	Under Separate Cover
2	UT Exec Summary	Under Separate Cover
3	Improvement Programme	Under Separate Cover

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee

Wednesday 16 November 2011

SUBJECT: Proposed Regional Pest Management Strategy

REASON FOR REPORT:

1. At their meeting on 17 August 2011, the Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee considered a report on the review of the Regional Pest Management Strategy and agreed that in the light of changes in the Biosecurity Act, expected to be passed into legislation during 2012, Council should prepare a substantially unchanged strategy for the review required prior to December 2011. This review is required as the current strategy will expire mid December 2011.

2. Accordingly the Committee are requested to recommend that Council adopt the attached Proposed Regional Pest Management Strategy.

3. The Committee are reminded that the amendments to the Biosecurity Act are expected to include:

3.1. A requirement for greater collaboration between Central Government agencies and Regional Councils.

3.2. A requirement to review current Strategies within 2 years of the legislation being passed.

4. Staff believe these changes will provide opportunities for Council to work closely with primary productive sectors within the region to increase surveillance on pests that have the potential to adversely impact on their industry. These discussions have already commenced.

5. Subject to the proposed Strategy being adopted by Council at its meeting on 23 November 2011, the Proposed Plan will be published for public consultation by 5 December 2011. Council is required to notify the public of the Strategy review, and provide 20 days for the public to make submissions on that review, hear submissions and advise the submitters of the outcome of the hearing.

6. Staff propose submissions close 27 January 2012.

DECISION MAKING PROCESS:

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee recommend Council

1. Note that Councils current Regional Pest Management Strategy expires in December 2011, and agree the proposed review process and timeline set out in this briefing paper.

2. Note the key items staff propose to highlight for public input through a discussion document.

Campbell Leckie

Manager Land Services

Mike Adye

Group Manager Asset Management

Attachment/s

Proposed Regional Pest Management Strategy

Under Separate Cover

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee

Wednesday 16 November 2011

SUBJECT: Proposed Phytosanitary Pest Management Strategy

Reason for Report

1. In late 2005 Hawke’s Bay Fruit Growers Association approached Council and requested Council’s assistance to address the potential impact of abandoned or derelict orchards as reservoirs of pathogens that could adversely affect pipfruit production. After discussion between Council and pipfruit industry representatives staff agreed to prepare a regional pest management strategy for the management of certain pathogens.

2. HB Fruit Growers advise that this Strategy has been effective in enabling them to influence the effective management of abandoned and derelict orchards.

3. This strategy has been reviewed by Pipfruit New Zealand and Council staff. There has been minor changes to the existing strategy. In accordance with the Biosecurity Act 2002 staff request that the Committee recommend Council adopt this revised strategy as the proposed Regional Phytosanitary Strategy 2011.

Background

4. The Regional Phytosanitary Pest Management Strategy was drafted as a separate strategy to the Regional Plant Pest and Animal Pest Management Strategy (RPMS) as it is specific to the Pip Fruit Sector.

5. Staff have met with representatives of Pipfruit NZ as well as representatives from
HB Fruitgrowers Assoc, HB Grapegrowers Assoc, HB Vegetable Growers Assoc and Kiwifruit and Berryfruit Growers. These groups are keen to work with HBRC to further develop this strategy to cover threats to their sectors, and to develop a more proactive approach to the early identification of disease and pest risks to their industries. Council staff propose to work with these industry groups over the next two years as it is expected that proposed amendments to the Biosecurity Act currently being developed by Central Government and expected to be passed into legislation during 2012 will require further reviews of current Strategies.

6. Under this Regional Phytosanitary Pest Management Strategy, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is the management agency. However, Council involvement only begins after Hawke’s Bay Fruit Growers Association has attempted to resolve the issue in accordance with the attached flowchart, and considered data collected by any affected grower to confirm that there has been an adverse effect. Only after a series of assessments and steps have been taken will Hawke’s Bay Fruit Growers Association request Council to commence an enforcement process. HB Fruit Growers Association have commenced this process with a number of growers over the past 5 years, with a satisfactory outcome being achieved without Council intervention.

Subject to Council agreement it is proposed that the timeline for notification and consultation on the Proposed reviewed Regional Phytosanitary Pest Management Strategy (RPPMS) is the same as for the proposed reviewed RPMS. Accordingly, the timeline is proposed as follows:

Proposed RPPMS adopted by Council and publicly notified	23 November 2011
Submissions on RPPMS close	31 January 2012
HBRC hearings committee hear submissions on RPPMS	February 2012

DECISION-MAKING PROCESS

7. Council is required to make every decision in accordance with Part 6 Sub-Part 1, of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Following Council adoption and notification of the Proposed Regional Phytosanitary Pest Management Strategy a period of public consultation is required. Consultation will largely be undertaken by Hawke’s Bay Fruit Growers Association through their grower networks, however Council staff will ensure that an appropriate level of consultation is undertaken and that the requirements of the Biosecurity Act are met.

8. It is proposed that the individual decisions made by the Committee in the course of developing the Proposed Regional Phytosanitary Pest Management Strategy be collectively presented to Council for adoption. Therefore at this time, it is unnecessary to specifically consider the significance of the Committee’s decisions on this matter.

9. The only decision therefore required of the Committee at this stage is approval for the programme of finalising this Strategy. With regard to this, staff have assessed the requirements contained within relevant section of the Local Government Act in relation to this item and have concluded the following:

9.1. Section 88 of the Act covering the change in the mode of delivery of a significant activity and Section 97 covering a significant change in the intended level of service provision for a significant activity do not apply at this stage, as only the programme for strategy development is being adopted.

9.2. Section 83 which sets out the requirements in the Act and other enactments where a special consultative procedure must be carried out does not apply, at this stage, but will apply to the overall development of the RPPMS.

9.3. The decision does not fall within the definition of the Council's policy on significance.

9.4. Council is required to consult with the public under the Biosecurity Act 1993, as part of any Strategy development process, and therefore any members of the public affected or potentially affected will have the opportunity to provide input as part of that consultative process.

9.5. Section 80 of the Act covering decisions that are significantly inconsistent with any existing policy or plan does not apply to the decision sought in this briefing paper.

9.6. Council can exercise its discretion under Section 79 (1) (a) and 82 (3) of the Act and make a decision on this issue without conferring directly with the community or others having given due consideration to the nature and significance of the issue to be considered and decided, and also the persons likely to be affected by or have an interest in the decisions to be made.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee recommend Council:

1. Agree that Council complete the development of the Proposed Regional Phytosanitary Pest Management Strategy and the role of Council as management agency for the Strategy.

2. Adopt proposed reviewed Regional Phytosanitary Pest Management Strategy 2011, including any amendments that they wish to make.

3. Approve the process and programme for the adoption, notification and submission on the Regional Phytosanitary Pest Management Strategy as set out below.

Proposed RPPMS adopted by Council and publicly notified	23 November 2011
Submissions on RPPMS close	31 January 2012
HBRC hearings committee hear submissions on RPPMS	February 2012

Campbell Leckie

Manager Land Services

Mike Adye

Group Manager Asset Management

Attachment/s

Regional Phytosanitary Pest Management Strategy

Under Separate Cover

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee

Wednesday 16 November 2011

SUBJECT: Tomoana Road Drain - Surplus Land – Part Section 7 SO 4018

REASON FOR REPORT

1. To declare surplus Part Section 7 Deposited Plan 4018, being part of the land acquired for Soil Conservation and River Control Purposes in 1989 for the Tomoana Drain Reconstruction. The land has now been surveyed, and the parcel is 791 m² in size and legally described as Section 1 Survey Office Plan 442998 being held in Gazette Notice 517200.2

2. The land required for the Tomoana Drain Reconstruction was 2,130 m² but the then Owner requested Council to acquire the whole of Lot 7 being 3,088 m². This paper seeks a declaration from Council that Section 1 Survey Office Plan 442998 being 791 m² is surplus to requirements. Once this declaration is made, Council officers will proceed to negotiate the sale of the land parcel.

Background

3. Details of the land to be surplus being part of the land acquired for the Tomoana Road Drain are as follows:

Area	791m²
Legal Description	Section 1 Survey Office Plan 442998
Status	Fee simple, held for Soil Conservation and River Control
Title/Gazette Reference	GN 517200.2
Encumbrances	None
Tenancy Issues	The land is not tenanted
Interested Parties	Adjoining owner – Elwood Road Holdings Limited

4. The current adjoining owner of Section 1 Survey Office Plan 442998 being Elwood Road Holdings Limited has requested Council to declare the land surplus and dispose of the land and amalgamate with their Computer Freehold Register.

5. In exchange for the land to be disposed and amalgamated with Elwood Road Holdings Limited (“the Owners”), the Owners will grant Council a 6 metre easement along the right bank of the Tomoana Drain over the full distance from Elwood Road to Richmond Road. The proposed easement is for access and maintenance to ensure Council has retains the ability to adequately maintain the Tomoana Drain when the land becomes industrial.

6. It is proposed that the land be disposed of without payment, in exchange for the proposed easement, and with each party paying its own associated costs.

Decision-Making Process

7.1. Sections 97 and 98 of the Act do not apply as these relate to decisions that significantly alter the service provision or affect a strategic asset.

7.2. Sections 83 and 84 covering special consultative procedure do not apply.

7.3. The decision does not fall within the definition of the Council's policy on significance.

7.4. The options available to the Council are to declare the land surplus or not to make a submission.

7.5. Section 80 of the Act covering decisions that are inconsistent with an existing policy or plan does not apply.

7.6. Council can exercise its discretion under Section 79(1)(a) and 82(3) of the Act and make a decision on this issue without conferring directly with the community or others having given due consideration to the nature and significance of the issue to be considered and decided, and also the persons likely to be effected by or have an interest in the decisions to be made, as those parties can decide in their own right whether or not to submit on these matters.

Recommendations

The Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee recommends Council:

1. Agrees that the decision to be made is not significant under the criteria contained in Council’s adopted policy on significance and that Council can make decisions on this issue as the Minister has conferred directly with the community and persons likely to be affected by or to have an interest in the decision due to the nature and significance of the issue to be considered and decided.

2. Declares surplus to requirements, the parcel of land which was acquired for the Tomoana Road Drain in Hastings being Section 1 Survey Office Plan 442998, with an area of 791m2. For clarity the land parcel is shown on the map attached as Appendix 1.

3. Authorises the Chief Executive to undertake the sale process on behalf of Council.

Norm Olsen

Operations Drainage Manager

Mike Adye

Group Manager Asset Management

Attachment/s

1 View

Tomoana Drain Land - Map

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee

Wednesday 16 November 2011

SUBJECT: 2010/2011 Flood Control and Drainage Schemes Annual Reports

REASON FOR REPORT:

1. Asset Management Plans for each of the flood control and drainage schemes administered by Council requires that an annual report on each of the Schemes be presented to Council.

2. Copies of the annual reports on Council’s activities with regard to each of the flood control and drainage schemes administered by Council are appended to this paper for Committee member reference and are available to other parties on request.

Background

3. Reports on the following schemes are appended:

3.1. Heretaunga Plains Flood Control and Drainage Scheme – Drainage and Pumping (Appendix 1)

3.2. Heretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme – Rivers (Appendix 2)

3.3. Upper Tukituki Flood Control Scheme (Appendix 3)

3.4. Minor Flood Control Schemes (Appendix 4) including:

3.4.1. Esk River Flood Control and Whirinaki Drainage Scheme

3.4.2. Porangahau Flood Control Scheme

3.4.3. Te Ngarue Flood Control Scheme

3.4.4. Poukawa Drainage Scheme

3.4.5. Makara Catchment Control Scheme

3.4.6. Paeroa Drainage Scheme

3.4.7. Ohuia Drainage Scheme

3.4.8. Kopuawhara Flood Control Scheme

3.4.9. Wairoa Rivers and Streams Scheme

3.4.10. Central & Southern Areas Rivers & Stream Scheme

3.4.11. Te Awanga Scheme

DECISION MAKING PROCESS:

4. Council is required to make a decision in accordance with Part 6 Sub-Part 1, of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained within this section of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only and no decision is to be made, the decision making provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 do not apply.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

That the Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee recommend Council:

1. Receive the Flood Control and Drainage Scheme reports for activities undertaken during the 2010/11 financial year.

Norm Olsen

Operations Drainage Manager

Darren Gorst

Team Leader Operations

Mike Adye

Group Manager Asset Management

Attachment/s

1	Annual Reports 1	Under Separate Cover
2	2	Under Separate Cover
3	3	Under Separate Cover
4	4	Under Separate Cover

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee

Wednesday 16 November 2011

SUBJECT: Flood Control & Drainage Asset Audit Report

Reason for Report

1. Annual audits are carried out as a requirements of the asset management plans for the Upper Tukituki Flood Control Scheme (Project 265) and the Heretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme (Project 286) to:

· Observe progress of the major river works from year to year

· Ensure that the design philosophy is sound and is effective

· Assess the effectiveness of current maintenance and management regime in delivering the scheme level of service

· Gauge the effectiveness of particular design methods and techniques

· Observe failed areas and learn from these what works and what doesn’t

· Determine if the current maintenance is adequate to achieve the aims of the scheme and design assumptions.

· Determine the effect on channel capacity and design grade.

2. An audit was completed by Council’s engineering staff in July/August 2011. The audit report is attached to this paper as Appendix 1. The audit covers the whole range of flood control works related to the major scheme rivers. It covers the scope of the inspections and describes the state of the major scheme rivers with the Level of Service (LOS) achieved.

3. From the sample audits carried out throughout the year and this final audit, the Levels of Service described in the current Asset Management Plans have by and large been achieved. The exceptions to this have been described and have either been attended to or are in the process of being attended to.

DECISION MAKING PROCESS

RECOMMENDATION

1. That the Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee recommend that Council receive the Flood Control and Drainage Asset Audit report 2010/11.

Gary Clode

Manager Engineering

Mike Adye

Group Manager Asset Management

Attachment/s

1 View

River Maintenance Audit 10/11

River Maintenance Audit 10/11

Attachment 1

RIVER MAINTENANCE AUDIT 2010 / 2011

Project 265: Upper Tukituki Flood Control Scheme

Project 286: Heretaunga Plains Flood Control Scheme

Purpose

These annual audits are carried out to:

· observe progress of the major river works from year to year

· ensure that the design philosophy is sound and is effective

· assess the effectiveness of the major river works from year to year

· gauge the effectiveness of particular design methods and techniques

· observe failed areas and learn from these what works and what doesn’t

· determine if the current maintenance is adequate to achieve the aims of the scheme and design assumptions

· determine the effect on channel capacity and design grade

Scope

The audit is intended to cover the whole range of flood control works related to the major scheme rivers. This includes observation of:

· the condition of the scheme stopbanks and structures affecting the integrity of the stopbanks

· berm and buffer zone

· the active channel

Inspections

Locations to be inspected are decided on the basis of the amount of work carried out each year, particular problem areas, areas noted for further inspection at the previous audit and areas less frequently visited during the year. Problem areas include places where edge protection works have been difficult to establish due to perhaps a series of flood events, harsh ground conditions, stopbank seepage areas and areas where damage has recently occurred.

Random inspections are carried out throughout the year usually to observe specific areas and to generally gauge the adequacy of the regular maintenance items such as mowing, spraying and beach raking. Observation of rivers during and after flood events is also important.

This year’s inspection was in September of 2010, approx. one year since the last audit. Generally it is better to target an inspection date to coincide with early summer following the financial year to allow sufficient time for the completion of the annual programme and for new works to get established. There has been no major river maintenance construction items in this time.

Completion of Willow Sawfly Work: In the 2006 / 2007 year an all out effort was made to complete the bulk of the remaining edge protection work in critical areas that was devastated by the willow sawfly. All other programmed channel improvement works were put on hold. In the 2007/2008 year the last of the major willow sawfly work was completed in the Tutaekuri River corridor. This work began July 2007 and finished later that calendar year.

HERETAUNGA PLAINS FLOOD CONTROL SCHEME

a) Tutaekuri River

River distances where buffer zone repair work was carried out are described by the established cross section locations (XS).

Stopbank mowing work, beach raking and spraying work as part of the annual work programme has been completed.

Level of Service (LOS) requirements of Asset Management Plans (refer AMP, 2011).

Item	LOS achieved	Comment
Stopbanks	Yes
Buffer Zones	Yes	Due to two favourable seasons the sawfly work has established very well. Groynes in many areas are well established with dense willow growth established and good channel edges established.
Fairway	Yes
Drainage	Yes
River Environment	Yes
Land	Yes

Comment: Work has been carried out to expectations and as required by asset management contracts. The willow sawfly work has become well established generally over most of the affected areas such that the level of service is now considered to be equivalent to conditions that existed prior to the initial infestation and subsequent damage.

b) Ngaruroro River

Performance of the new protection works is up to expectation with the new works performing well in the frequent small floods since work was carried out. Some movement of the groynes has occurred and this was expected and is no cause for concern. Downstream of the groynes eddy effects have resulted in minor scour in some instances; again predictable and of no concern at present. Willow planting in these areas has been successful and in some instances the groynes are actually difficult to find. This is a good sign of the river edge being re-established and a good edge protection being maintained.

Stopbank mowing work, beach raking and spraying work has been completed. Native plants are showing good signs of being successful and surviving the harsh conditions as a result of trying different techniques. There are now some encouraging examples of native plants becoming established and the future looks promising for the future.

Level of Service (LOS) requirements of Asset Management Plans (refer AMP, 2011).

Item	LOS achieved	Comment
Stopbanks	Yes
Buffer Zones	Yes	Due to a favourable season the sawfly work has established well. Groynes in some areas are very well established with dense willow growth along the active channel edge.
Fairway	Yes
Drainage	Yes
River Environment	Yes
Land	Yes

c) Lower Tukituki River

Concrete groyne elements were constructed in the 2005 / 2006 year. A total of 24 groynes were completed as well as associated rope and rail retards, deflection banks and willow and native tree planting. This work has settled-in well and allowed the establishment of good willow growth along the river edge.

As for the Ngaruroro the groynes are performing well during the small floods experienced post construction. They have performed well in past flood events. Regular inspections of the groynes since construction have indicated excellent performance for some fairly severe flood conditions. There is no concern with the performance at present.

Last year (2010) damage at the right bank near the river mouth was repaired with concrete akmons in the form of 3 groynes and these are performing OK at present although they have not been under any severe pressure from large floods to date.

The Lower Tukituki near the river mouth is a difficult area to stabilise and will require careful maintenance in the future. Some trial planting has been carried out to help prevent wave lap erosion from damaging the river bank and the end of the stopbank. Much of this was damaged in the April event.

Stopbank mowing work, beach raking and spraying work has been completed. The fennel plant is an ongoing pest and is rampant in some areas.

Level of Service (LOS) requirements of Asset Management Plans (refer AMP, 2011).

Item	LOS achieved	Comment
Stopbanks	Yes
Buffer Zones	Yes	Due to a favourable season the sawfly work has become well established well. Groynes in some areas are well established with dense willow growth covering them.
Fairway	Yes
Drainage	Yes
River Environment	Yes
Land	Yes
Sea Exclusion Banks, Groynes	Mostly	Groynes protect this area and it would be good to get some planting established between the groynes if possible. Planting is still being observed to determine how well it performs in this difficult area.

Comment: Work has been carried out to expectations and as required by asset management contracts.

UPPER TUKITUKI FLOOD CONTROL SCHEME

d) Tukituki River

Routine maintenance was completed as per contracts. The length of stopbank from XS52 to XS62 on the right bank was subject to some concern about capacity during the July 2007 flood event. A paper was presented to Council in September 2008, to outline the issues and method to remedy the problems. Construction work to upgrade the stopbanks began April 2008 followed by work in 2010 and 2011 to complete this upgrade.

The 2009/2019 LTCCP has provision for planting trials to better understand the native planting issues and plant selection for these harsh conditions. This is still a tough area to get plants established but better techniques are working.

Level of Service (LOS) requirements of Asset Management Plans (refer AMP, 2011).

Item	LOS achieved	Comment
Stopbanks	Yes	Capacity upgrade now completed.
Buffer Zones	Mostly	Native vegetation trials are showing signs of success. This is not a critical risk issue.
Fairway	Yes
Drainage	Yes
River Environment	Yes
Land	Yes

e) Waipawa River

Rope and rail protection work carried out over the reach 48L to 49L this year to reclaim and strengthen a section of river bank. Other reaches generally OK with mainly routine maintenance being carried out. Old Man’s Beard is a significant plant pest problem that remains a problem to deal with.

f) Makaretu River

The main work items for the Makaretu this year relate to regrowth spraying and beach raking

There are no significant issues with the annual work carried out for this scheme.

g) Tukipo River

The main work items for the Tukipo this year relate to plant pest spraying and beach raking. Old Man’s Beard is still very prevalent on the Left Bank.

There are no significant issues with the annual work carried out for this scheme.

h) Mangaonuku River

The main work items for the Mangaonuku this year relate to some plant pest spraying and beach raking.

There are no significant issues with the annual work carried out for this scheme.

SUMMARY

The major Hawke’s Bay rivers are in good shape with a significant recovery from the sawfly damage. Going into the 2012 summer, with no new sawfly damage to date, the edge protection works are in a healthy state. It will take more time yet for the young willows to establish a good root structure and for the natives and other non-willow species to become better established but as each year passes (without damaging floods) this improves. We continue to be in a much sounder position than in 2005 when critical reaches had a reduced design flood standard probably as low as a 10% AEP based on lateral berm scour estimates. My estimate for the same critical areas is that currently the design standard is back to the 1% AEP range. This is a good result.

From the sample audits carried out throughout the year and this final audit, in my opinion the Levels of Service described in the current Asset Management Plans have by and large been achieved. Any exceptions to this have been noted and have either been attended to or are in the process of being attended to.

ir gary clode

manager engineering

asset management group

15 September 2011

Reference: 1. Asset Management Contract 2010 / 2011.

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee

Wednesday 16 November 2011

SUBJECT: 2010/2011 Biosecurity Annual Reports - Animal and Plant Pests

REASON FOR REPORT:

1. The Biosecurity Act 1993 requires Council, as management agency for the Hawke’s Bay Regional Pest Management Strategy (RPMS), to prepare an annual report on the operational plan and its implementation not later than 5 months after the end of each financial year.

2. Copies of the annual report for Council’s activities with regard to Plant and Animal Pests are appended to this paper for Committee reference and are available to other parties on request.

3. This paper is to present the report to Council.

4. The highlights of the 2010/2011 Annual Report are as follows:

ANIMAL PESTS

4.1. Ninety eight land occupiers, covering 29,802 hectares, had initial Possum Control Area completed on their properties in 2010/2011. This initial control was carried out with around a 40% reduction in the cost of control by integrating commercial fur harvesting into the initial control. With the combined Possum control area and Animal Health board programmes, ninety percent of the region’s rateable land now receives the economic, animal health and biodiversity benefits of sustained low possum numbers. Completion of the remaining initial control has been accelerated and initial control should be completed three years ahead of schedule in 2013.

4.2. A total of 101land occupiers received initial maintenance facilitation visits during 2010/2011, with 2,233 land occupiers having received initial assistance, and are now managed as part of the ongoing maintenance phase.

4.3. The aerial rook control programme is proving to be highly successful. A total of 59 active nests were treated across the eradication zone north of SH5 compared to 92 in the 2009/2010 financial year. A total of 824 active nests were aerial treated across the control zone south of SH5 compared to 905 in 2009/2010.

4.4. While RHD continues to circulate within the Hawke’s Bay immunity to RHD is now widespread within rabbit populations and isolated hot spots are now being seen. Over the next 2-3 years these areas may require localised rabbit control operations.

4.5. An urban pest management programme has been successfully completed over the Havelock north. The public response to the urban pest management programme has been excellent. Initial bird monitoring shows appreciable increases in native bird numbers within the urban pest management operational areas. This urban biodiversity programme will continue to be progressively rolled out to other urban areas within the Hawke’s Bay region.

4.6. A significant amount of work has taken place on argentine ants. The extent of known infestations of this pest are now mapped. The most appropriate long term management response is being developed.

PLANT PESTS

4.7. The urban Privet programme is now delivering a much higher level of productivity through the use of a contractor, with the cost of privet removals from properties reduced from $525 to $260. We are now making rapid progress on the reduction of privet in the urban environment and all outstanding complaints have been completed. The human health impacts of privet on the urban ratepayer should be significantly reduced over the next 2-3 years.

4.8. The removal of Pinus Contorta on the 90 ha core area on multiple ownership Maori land at Rangitaiki has been completed. A range of options to reduce the regeneration of contorta seedlings are being discussed with the East Taupo Lands Trust. In addition Council submitted tree weed exemption applications required by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry under the Emissions Trading Scheme for pre 1990 contorta deforested during the Rangataiki programme. Both of the exemption requests were granted by MAF.

4.9. Low incidence plants controlled were Climbing spindleberry, Cathedral bells, Blue passion flower, Phragmites and Asiatic Knotweed.

4.10. Continued leading didymo coordination as a key regional stakeholder in the Hawke’s Bay East Coast regional response group.

DECISION MAKING PROCESS:

5. Council is required to make a decision in accordance with Part 6 Sub-Part 1, of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained within this section of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only and no decision is to be made, the decision making provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 do not apply.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee recommend Council

1. Receive the Animal Pest and Plant Pest reports for activities undertaken during the 2010/2011 financial year.

Campbell Leckie

Manager Land Services

Mike Adye

Group Manager Asset Management

Attachment/s

2010/11 Plant and Animal Pests Annual Report

Under Separate Cover

HAWKE’S BAY REGIONAL COUNCIL

Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee

Wednesday 16 November 2011

SUBJECT: Land Management Annual Report

REASON FOR REPORT

1. This agenda item reports on the activities of the land management team, and provides additional detail on activities of the team that are aligned to Council’s LTCCP 2012/22.

Background

2. The Land Management team is currently transitioning to a more outcomes focused approach. Two key areas for this focus are hill country erosion prone land and intensive land use within our plains areas, particularly where increased irrigation through water storage may drive land use intensification. Core historic land management activities such as poplar and willow erosion planting through the Regional Landcare scheme remain of value. However the intention is to deliver those activities in a way that frees up staff time to focus more effectively on hill country erosion and land use intensification.

3. The change in emphasis involved recognition that Sustainable Land Management requires a change of thinking, with a focus on outcomes and building resilience in both our land and our rural community. Social/economic and environmental resilience are part of one system, and reinforce each other. Fundamentally uptake of sustainable land management initiatives is as much about social uptake of ideas as it is of having technical clarity about the best pathways to achieve outcomes. The speed and scale of social uptake of sustainable land management concepts relies on a complex often interrelated range of factors.

Figure 1: Building sustainability – Linking the Social with the Biophysical

4. Projects such as the Huatokitoki and Taharua are good examples of the complexity that needs to be managed, and the potential opportunity that arises when this is done successfully.

5. Assisting in the development of such cultural change within the rural community requires that our own staff also reflect aspects of community resilience (flexibility, thinking ahead, outcome-focus, lever-focus, and initiative).

6. This paper provides a brief overview of the activities of the land management team. This will be complemented by a presentation by the Manager, Land Management, Campbell Leckie.

7. Attached to this report are Appendix 1: Land Management Activities 2010-2011.

EMERGING ISSUES

8. 2010/11 was a busy year for Land Management with a number of new initiatives and projects either starting or developed.

9. The uptake of the Regional Landcare Scheme (RLS) is continuing to increase and the Land Management team is broadening the focus of the RLS. Ultimately this is likely to mean that projects will require a higher priority score through the ranking system to gain funding, or that the grant rate allocated may lower for some projects.

10. The storm event in April has resulted in considerable soil erosion throughout Hawke's Bay. Land Management had significant involvement in assisting with clean up programmes directly after the event, and continue to be actively involved in ongoing recovery programmes now. It is clear that the event will help to influence the planting of woody vegetation within at-risk landscapes.

11. Development of the regional forestry programme business case has been a significant initiative. Potentially this initiative can deliver regional scale economic and environmental benefits over the long term.

12. Managing land use intensification to achieve increased production with acceptable environmental impacts is a complex process. It requires clear objectives and integration of a range of initiatives. Water storage on the Ruataniwha could significantly accelerate both the opportunities and risks associated with intensive land use within this region. The land management team will be focusing additional effort as part of a cross council project team to understand how best the limited resources available will deliver an effective intensive land use integrated catchment management solution.

13. All land management decisions ultimately are based on soil type. The soil type is a significant driver of the land use economic potential and the current and future environmental risks associated with unsustainable land use. For a number of areas within the region soils information is not of sufficient quality at the right scale to enable quality decision making. In addition the information that is available is not easily accessible publicly. This issue will need to be addressed if the long term economic potential of the region is to be realised in an environmentally sustainable way.

DECISION MAKING PROCESS

14. Council is required to make a decision in accordance with Part 6 Sub-Part 1, of the Local Government Act 2002 (the Act). Staff have assessed the requirements contained within this section of the Act in relation to this item and have concluded that, as this report is for information only and no decision is to be made, the decision making provisions of the Local Government Act 2002 do not apply.

RECOMMENDATION

1. That the Asset Management and Biosecurity Committee recommend Council receives the report.

Campbell Leckie

Manager Land Services

Mike Adye

Group Manager Asset Management

Attachment/s

Implementation Report 10/11

Under Separate Cover

GENERAL SUBJECT OF THE ITEM TO BE CONSIDERED	REASON FOR PASSING THIS RESOLUTION	GROUNDS UNDER SECTION 48(1) FOR THE PASSING OF THE RESOLUTION
Recreational Opportunities - Tangoio to Tutira	7(2)(i) That the public conduct of this agenda item would be likely to result in the disclosure of information where the withholding of the information is necessary to enable the local authority holding the information to carry out, without prejudice or disadvantage, negotiations (including commercial and industrial negotiations).	The Council is specified, in the First Schedule to this Act, as a body to which the Act applies.

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