Hosted by ORC, the session will be held at Te Pou Ō Mata-Au | Clutha District War Memorial & Community Centre in Balclutha on Thursday 28 May, from 3-7pm. There is a presentation at 6pm but people can generally drop in any time to speak with staff.

The Lower Clutha Flood Protection and Drainage Scheme plays a critical role in protecting around 9,300 hectares of low-lying land, including Balclutha, Kaitangata and Stirling. Built between 1960 and 1991, the scheme includes 110 km of floodbanks, 153 km of drains and 189 culverts, helping reduce flood risk and drain land across the delta.

The Tokomairiro Drainage Scheme drains the low-lying farmland in the Tokomairiro area around Milton and reduces the impact of flooding on Milton and its surrounds. The scheme consists entirely of open drains, with culverts and bridge crossings.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to see what we’re doing to keep this essential infrastructure working well, and to hear more about what work is ahead,” says ORC's Manager Engineering, Brett Paterson.

People can learn more about:

• How the flood and drainage schemes work
• Recent flood repairs and what’s still to come
• Scheme and river management activities 
• Long-term planning for future natural hazard risks
• Opportunities for community involvement
• Local natural hazards and how to prepare for them

“As well as sharing updates on recent flood repair work and projects, we’ll also have members of the Lower Clutha liaison group formed last year at the drop-in to speak with the community on the work they’ve been doing,” Mr Paterson says.

The Lower Clutha Flood Protection and Drainage Scheme Liaison Group was established in 2025 to act as an informal committee working alongside ORC. The Group had its first meeting in early May 2026, and this drop-in session will be an opportunity for the community to meet some of the elected group and to provide them with feedback on the Scheme operation.

Learn more about the Lower Clutha liaison group: