Mataura

They're kind of saying it's making them impossible to build or redevelop projects, and it does sort of seem to be the case.

So the rules are aimed to address the effects of a projected one in a two hund- one in two hundred year flood of the Mataura River based on modeling provided by Environment Southland.

So under the new district plan rules, new buildings and significant structure extensions must raise the finished floor levels to protect properties against major floods.

So in areas that have been identified as hazard areas, um, foundations must be elevated by typically one point five meters above standard ground levels, or in the central business di-district, this is looking like it could be one point eight meters.

So we understand that this rule applies to more than fifty streets in Gore and large areas of Mataura.

So we've spoken to several developers, and they're just saying, look, their projects are hanging in the balance, like they've been a bit blindsided by the changes.

Um, they're saying that there could be a lot of derelict buildings in Gore in the future because nobody can re-redevelop them if you have to raise up the floor level one point eight meters.

Very old railway station, facelift.

Yes, so it's full steam ahead on restoration works for the historic Mataura railway station in Southland near Gore.

To return it to how it looked when it was built in 1921, Rail Heritage Trust Chief Executive Barry O'Donnell says most of the exterior work should be finished before Christmas ahead of work starting inside.

Rail Minister Winston Peters says locals have been calling for the building to be restored for 15 years.