26 May 2022

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Residents living close to the Christchurch Wastewater Treatment Plant will be able to get some financial help from the start of next week.

Christchurch City Council has today approved a community support package to assist those living nearest to the plant, who have been bearing the brunt of the stench since the fire at the facility in November last year.

From Monday 30 May, residents who live within the area bounded by Buckleys Road, Pages Road, State Highway 74 and Linwood Avenue will be able to apply for $200 through one of four community agencies to help deal with the impacts of the fire.

About 3300 homes are in this area.

“We are grateful that the Bromley Community Centre, The Loft, Ngā Hau E Whā and He Waka Tapu   have all been willing to partner with us to ensure the local community gets the support it needs  through this exceptionally challenging time,’’ says Mayor Lianne Dalziel.

“Residents can approach any of those agencies to discuss their particular needs and obtain some financial support.

“We want to make the process of getting financial support as easy as possible for residents so all they will need to show is proof of their address, such as a bill with their name and address on it,’’ says Mayor Dalziel.

“The stench from the plant has really taken its toll on nearby residents and has caused significant distress. We are working as fast as we can to address the issues causing the smell but in the meantime we need to support the local community.’’

The Council has committed $1 million towards the community support package.  

Some of that money could be used to support schools and early learning centres in the immediate area.