Stopbanks not stockbanks, says council

Stopbanks provide flood protection for millions of dollars' worth of farmland and property in the region. Photo / File

Farmers are being asked to keep stock away from stopbanks during heavy rain periods this winter to prevent damage.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council said grazing stock need to be kept away from stopbanks so flood protection is retained for thousands of residents.

Landowners can be held liable for any damage to stopbanks, which help protect millions of dollars' worth of land and property in the Bay of Plenty, it said.

Cattle can graze on stopbanks when the ground is firmer in summer but should be kept to a minimum in the winter months.

Council principal works engineer Tony Dunlop said wetter soil conditions combined with heavy animals could weaken and damage stopbanks.

"During winter it really is just common sense to keep cattle off the stopbanks as much as possible to prevent the pugging and damage that they can cause," he said.

"We appreciate that most farmers and lifestyle block owners know this and take care of our community assets.

"Good grass cover on a stopbank is like a skin that helps provide protection to the soil structure underneath.

"So pugging is not just a surface problem, it can cause much greater issues.

"It is a timely reminder that we will be keeping an eye on our stopbanks to ensure that farmers are doing the right thing. There is too much at stake to risk flood damage to the properties and surrounding communities."

Stopbanks were council assets and were designed to protect property, production and the safety of everyone in our community, he said.

"We need to reinforce the importance of looking after our stopbanks to anyone who may be grazing stock."

The regional council manages and maintains around 352km of stopbanks in the region.