Public’s input being sought for solution to erosion

Erosion at Middle Beach last year, looking towards St Kilda. PHOTOS: PETER MCINTOSH
Erosion at Middle Beach last year, looking towards St Kilda. PHOTOS: PETER MCINTOSH
The latest plan for managing coastal erosion is set to take shape.

And this one will be the winner, says its promoter.

The Our Coast Our Community: St Clair-St Kilda Coastal Plan project began will involve a two-phase engagement process.

The first part began yesterday, and will include consulting the public on what they want to see happen to the beaches.

Cr Jim O’Malley said from there, technical solutions would be developed.

"Up until now what we’ve tended to do is respond to it in a reactive way, when something happens."

Involving people in the process would provide opportunities for the community and the council to learn from each other, he said.

"The community has to understand what we are facing and then make a decision.

"This can only result in a stronger plan."

Sand sausages were placed at St Clair Beach in 2016 in an effort to stop erosion.
Sand sausages were placed at St Clair Beach in 2016 in an effort to stop erosion.

The council has tried many approaches to coastal management in previous years, including backstop walls, sand sausages, notches in sand dunes and planting.

Council infrastructure services committee chairman coastal specialist Tom Simons-Smith said historically, solutions had looked at fixing issues in one location rather than considering the long-term impact on the entire coast.

"This isn’t a sustainable or cost-effective management approach long-term.

“Taking a step back and finding out what the community truly values about the area will help us identify options that, over time, solve multiple issues, build resilience, and create new opportunities for recreation and environmental benefits along this coast."

It was important the management of the coast was well-aligned to how people wanted to use it, Mr Simons-Smith said.

"Equally, we must ensure that we plan for coastal erosion, storms and sea level rise, and look for environmental benefit where we can."

The first phase of community engagement opened yesterday and will run until May 1.

The second phase later in the year will focus on specific options for managing the coast, before a coastal plan is confirmed by the end of the year.

Cr O’Malley said if people wanted to be heard, they needed to turn up to meetings.

Community engagement sessions will be run at the South Coast Board Riders Club on March 18 and 27.

emma.perry@odt.co.nz

Comments

So alllll the money spent on consultants and the best the dcc can come up with is asking the public for ideas?
The council don't listen to the public as it is, now they want our help with solutions?
No. You come up with them then ask us what we think about the impact of your ideas.
So much backwards thinking in this council

I've said this maybe a dozen times now....AKMONS, Cr Jules Radich knows about them but says nothing of them. Groynes are an old solution that no longer apply due to the regular severity of storms. Stacking up sticks at Karitane, won't work either. Let alone at St Kilda......AKMONS
Don't look to the public, look to places that have solved the problem.....AKMONS
Wellington Airport, New Plymouth Breakwater......AKMONS. some of the roughest seas in the country! AKMONS are used all around the world to prevent erosion and arrest wave action.....
I feel I should mention AKMONS again........

 

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