Mayor backs tsunami sirens | Canterbury News | Local News in Canterbury

It will be at least six months before a beefed-up tsunami warning system is up and running.

Residents have voiced major concerns about poor communication during recent tsunami scares.

Mayor Bob Parker said Civil Defence has been researching different options and were considering a system Waitakere City Council installed in 2008.

"We have identified a system that they use that I think has great potential for us," said Mr Parker.

Under that system, sirens are mounted onto power poles and are activated via a radio or a signal down the power line. It uses three different signals. These signals alert residents to turn on the radio, tell them to evacuate, or give them the all clear.

But, if approved, Mr Parker said it would probably be at least six months before the first stage of the plan was under way - and it could take up to 24 months.

They would move "as quickly as possible", he said.

In March a public meeting was held in Sumner over the issue, and almost 700 Southshore residents have signed a petition calling for an updated warning system.

Under the existing system, warnings advising people to stay away from coastal areas are sent out through media such as radio.

"For our community's perspective they feel the system doesn't work in a way that gives them complete confidence," Mr Parker said.

If the siren system goes ahead in Christchurch, the first phase would see up to 21 sirens installed in coastal areas including New Brighton, Redcliffs, Sumner and Waimairi Beach, he said.

Further sirens would then be installed up to 2km inland from the coast and in more remote communities such as Banks Peninsula in the second phase.

The project was likely to cost $300,000-$400,000, Mr Parker said.

Sumner Residents' Association member Adrienne Jackson was pleased with the progress.

"That's very positive news. This will give greater confidence to the community," she said.

A report on the plan would be submitted for the city council's Annual Plan, and residents will be consulted.