An $18 million flood resilience project for the Mataura River will address long-standing concerns over gravel buildup and erosion. Work began on Friday widening sections of the river channel near the banks of the Mataura River at the Gore road and rail bridge crossing. The ground-breaking ceremony 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 will increase flood protection for more than 7000 people in the Gore district. The work is expected to take about four months, weather permitting. Gravel and sediment buildup has been a controversial topic within the region. Farmers and catchment liaison committee members expressed frustration to Environment Southland late last year at a public meeting.…