Wet weather prompts stopbank grazing reminder

Over the wetter winter months stopbanks can be damaged by stock and overgrazing and landowners can be held liable for the damage.

Rivers and drainage asset manager Kirsty Brown says most farmers and lifestyle block owners know the rules but the importance of maintaining the region’s flood defences can’t be underestimated.

“Council manages and maintains almost 352km of stopbanks across the region to protect people, property and livelihoods. During winter, it is common sense to keep stock off the stopbanks as much as possible to prevent pugging and damage,” Brown says.

She says that while light grazing of sheep and cows is allowed on stopbanks in the dryer months, in winter it’s best to keep all stock off them to prevent damage.

“When stopbanks become wet, stock can churn up the ground which can create serious issues. Good grass cover helps to hold together the soil structure underneath – so weakening that top layer can have catastrophic effects on surrounding properties.”

Brown says vehicles can also cause stopbank damage, especially when the ground is wet, so it’s best to avoid driving trucks, tractors or other machinery on them.

“Our Rivers and Drainage team routinely monitor the condition of our stopbanks, but we equally welcome contact from members of the public who may suspect a problem. Our Pollution Hotline (0800 884 883) is the best way to report any areas of concern,” she says.

Flood Protection and Drainage Bylaws apply to stopbanks and other flood defences and water controls like drains.  They require landowners to apply for permission if they are intending to build or demolish any structure, undertake earthworks, or do any plantings in the vicinity of a Regional Council managed flood defence or drain.