A report made by the Otago Regional Council has discovered houses in South Dunedin are in danger in relation to sea-level rise without bold decisions from those in power.
The report, which used seven years of data, identified that rising water levels could potentially cause permanent flooding in low-lying suburbs.
The reports discusses the fact that “South Dunedin is built on soft, silty soils”, a very different landscape to the rest of Dunedin, which is built on a “solid, volcanic base.” Today, as many as 2700 homes in South Dunedin lie less than 50 cm above sea level, placing them in enormous and immediate danger if sea levels continue to rise.
Otago Regional Council chief executive, Peter Bodeker, said that the council was “firm in our belief that planning for South Dunedin’s future management is an immediate priority.”
The report was presented to councillors on Wednesday July 20, and it is hoped it will encourage a community conversation, further scientific research, and bold decision making from the DCC to address the dangerous problems facing the community.