An $18 million flood resilience project for the Mataura River will address long-standing concerns over gravel buildup and erosion. Work began last Friday to widen sections of the river channel near the banks of the Mataura River at the Gore road and rail bridges. A ground-breaking ceremony on the day was attended by Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson and Environment Southland chairman Jeremy McPhail, who marked the occasion in a very Southland fashion — with cheese rolls in the rain. The Mataura River Flood Resilience Project would increase flood protection for more than 7000 people in the Gore district, a statement from Environment Southland said. The work was expected to take about four months, weather permitting, it said. Gravel and sediment buildup has been a controversial topic within the region. Farmers and catchment liaison committee members expressed frustration to the regional council late last year at a public meeting.…