Auckland Council is part-way through a project to reduce flood risk, improve water quality and take pressure of the existing stormwater network in Papakura.
Work on the $19 million Artillery Drive Stormwater Tunnel involves laying an underground stormwater pipe between McLennan Park and Katavic Park. It will carry stormwater from Upper McLennan Park Pond to Pahurehure Intlet.
Craig Mcilroy, who manages the council’s Healthy Waters department, says the work is important because a special housing area is to be located nearby.
“The land is actually a large flood plain so this work, along with two other planned projects in the area over the next few years, will ensure the area is suitable for development and the stormwater network is available to cope with that impending growth.”
Manurewa-Papakura Ward Councillor Daniel Newman and Papakura Local Board Chair Brent Catchpole visited the site recently.
“This project demonstrates the scale of work needed to enable future development within Papakura and the wider Takanini corridor and resilience of the council’s utility network,” says Cr Newman.
He says having an efficient stormwater network also provides environmental benefits.
“How we treat stormwater is a test of our willingness to be good stewards of the natural environment."
“I am determined that we manage stormwater to provide maximum benefit to existing and future residents and look forward to future improvements that will allow us to mitigate the risk of stormwater flooding within the catchment.”
Papakura Local Board has been a strong advocate for the investment in this project.
Mr Catchpole says the project bodes well for future development in Papakura.
“It is a long overdue asset, key to unlocking the potential of development in Takanini area.”
This project is part of the $80 million Auckland Council is spending in 2016/17 to improve the stormwater network and support the continued growth of the city.
About the Artillery Drive stormwater tunnel project
- The stormwater pipe is 2.5 metres wide and 1.1km long
- A tunnel boring machine has been used to dig out the tunnel and lay pipe at the same time
- Work started in February 2016 and is expected to be completed later this year.
- Find out more about the project on the council’s website
