Written by Vihan Dalal
Vegetation clearance has started as Cobden's floodbank is raised to better protect homes from a one-in-150-year flood, at a cost of $410,000.
Government funding for Franz Josef is still on hold as Westland District Council begins work on a compulsory master plan three years late.
Cashflow strain may force a redesign of Westport's flood defences, with the council warning it could struggle to fund the scheme.
Westport's flood defences face further delay after a USD $6.7 million Government funding bid was turned down, widening the scheme shortfall.
Councils and ratepayers have been spared steep local bills after NZ Transport Agency kept majority funding for two isolated West Coast roads through 2030.
Westport residents are set to share NZD $1.8 million in flood protection funds after the regional council admitted the split was badly communicated.
Long-delayed mining and resource applications are still pending on the West Coast, though the council has cut the queue to 43 from 199.
Ratepayers in Westport may face higher bills as the flood protection scheme's cost blowout prompts a fresh consultation on a revised design.
Work to secure State Highway 6 at Epitaph Slip could still be years off, despite a completed case for a $102 million realignment.
Larger stones are set to be installed after high seas sent driftwood and debris over the Hokitika flood barrier and onto the walkway.
Funding shortfalls could force West Coast councils to revert roads to gravel, leaders warn, as tourism and freight access come under pressure.
