Low-lying parts of the Queenstown and Wanaka CBDs are periodically affected by floods. Businesses in the area are visited annually to make sure they understand the flood risk and are given advice and information on how to be prepared.

The ORC, QLDC and EMO teams will be visiting businesses in the flood zone in Queenstown on Wednesday 24th October and Wanaka on Thursday 25th October to offer advice to business owners about how to prepare for a flood, and where to access information and help.

ORC Director Engineering, Hazards and Science, Dr Gavin Palmer said, “This campaign is a great opportunity to advise communities on how they might be affected by a flood, and to outline what they can do to minimise the impact on themselves and their business.”

Otago Emergency Management Officer for Queenstown Lakes, Trevor Andrews said, “We have a lot of practical information on flooding in the area. Residents generally have several days’ notice before flooding is likely to take place here, so the more they know how to prepare, the better placed they will be to reduce the impact.”

Trevor Andrews (Otago Emergency Management Officer for Queenstown Lakes) updating contact details of business owners within the Lake Wakatipu flooding area.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Gavin Palmer - ORC Director Engineering, Hazards and Science - 0274 933 960
Gavin.palmer@orc.govt.nz

FOR COMMUNICATIONS CONTACT:
Emma Schranz – ORC Senior Media Advisor – 027 627 5894
media@orc.govt.nz