The New Zealand Government has announced a $2 million grant to support the Tasman District Council’s cleanup efforts following severe winter flooding. The funding, drawn from the newly established emergency waste fund, will help tackle the massive waste burden left behind by the floods.
🧹 What the Grant Covers
- Cleanup of flood-related waste from homes, farms, and orchards
- Repairs to waste and resource recovery infrastructure
- Removal of thick silt deposits from properties and public areas
🚜 Impacted Communities
Growers in Riwaka and areas along the Motueka River have been hit especially hard, facing crop losses and damage to vital infrastructure like packhouses, cool stores, and worker housing. The silt left behind has complicated recovery efforts and added to cleanup costs.
🗣️ Government Response
Environment Minister Penny Simmonds emphasized the importance of timely support:
“Tasman has a long recovery ahead, and this funding will help ease some of the pressure and support the community as it gets back on its feet.”
The Ministry for the Environment is also assisting the council in applying for a waste disposal levy waiver, further reducing the financial burden of disposing flood-related debris.
🤝 Community Resilience
The government praised the region’s resilience and community spirit, acknowledging the hard work of locals in rebuilding and supporting one another.
📂 Suggested Categories
- Environment & Climate
- Government & Policy
- Local News
- Disaster Recovery
- Agriculture & Rural Affairs
- Infrastructure & Services
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