The devastating flood of 2024 in Burgenland made the call for sustainable protection unmistakable. However, the project is still under pressure between questions of ownership and nature conservation. Now there is also political sofa.
The flood in June 2024 in Unterschützen (Oberwart District) not only left traces in buildings, but also in the heads of the people. The dramatic events have made the call for effective flood protection unmistakable. A concern that existed for a long time in the community, but so far has failed due to missing releases of real estate. An extensive project has been working on an extensive project since 2020. However, the start of the implementation was postponed because the required areas were not available. In the meantime, new properties have been protected.
Spitzmüller criticizes statements about flood protection
However, the next challenge follows: the approval process of nature conservation. “Many owners have now agreed verbally,” said Mayor Hans Unger. “The flood has caused a reconsideration.” You work at full speed, the submission plan must be granted at the end of June. The construction could start in 2027 if the procedures were to be taken, Unger feared a new delay. “What I want is a fast authority procedure. It is not possible that such an important protection project is delayed by flowers or a beaver.” Words that not only cause a stir in the village, but also defeat political waves.
Spitzmüller: A Beaver prevents nothing
So also with the greens. Club chairman Wolfgang Spitzmüller: “These statements are populist and show a fundamentally wrong understanding of nature and flood protection.” It is clear to him: “Beaver helping to maintain water. They are part of the solution, not the problem.” Spitzmüller emphasizes: The delays are not due to nature conservation, but due to heavy negotiations with landowners. “It was the mayor’s task to find solutions here at an early stage. The beaver prevents nothing.”
Protection of the property as a huge problem
Unger’s answer immediately follows: “We have checked seven variants, had countless conversations. The real estate presentation was a huge subject that takes time. The question is also where Mr. Spitzmüller’s constructive intervention was about negotiating with the owners.” “This is not my job. The ÖVP has the absolute majority in the city council. I can only ensure that nature does not fall along the road,” the Green Club chairman and the local council countered.
The clock ticks
It is clear to Spitzmüller: flood protection and conservation conservation do not close each other in contrast to. “A well -planned retention books can also become a local recreational area. Nature needs a lobby and no debt.”
However, there is not -party -bound unity on one point: time is forced. “When time comes, the procedure should not be drawn unnecessarily. It’s about body and life,” says Unger. But: “Speed should not be at the expense of quality,” said Spitzmüller. A nature -friendly solution is needed to benefit equally from the population and the environment.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
