The breakwater has been closed since 2019, when the Waitaki District Council learnt it was in breach of its consent if it allowed public access to the 1872 category 1 heritage structure.
Doc previously stated if access was to be granted it wanted no access beyond the gravel area, daytime access only and maintenance of barriers, as there was an increase in wildlife using the structure since its closure.
At a committee meeting in April, members requested the council’s then chief executive Fergus Power — who left the job last month — speak to Doc about getting ‘‘sign-off’’ for reinstating access to the breakwater.
Officers confirmed that request had not been met.
Mr Kelcher said the situation was ‘‘extremely frustrating’’ and many species could not permanently live at the breakwater.
‘‘They’re [Doc] worried about the birds down the far end of the breakwater, that’s under water three or four times a week, so birds cannot live there,’’ he said.
‘‘I think if Doc got out of their office, and come and have a look, we can get that sorted, and get that consent condition changed.’’
Major rock protection work had been undertaken on the breakwater in the past year, including 23,000tonnes of rock and eight tetrapods added.
‘‘It’s a lot safer there now ... there’s a rock wall right along the sea side of the breakwater.
‘‘If someone was to inadvertently fall off, they’re not going to fall in the sea.’’
Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher agreed the breakwater was different from what it used to be ‘‘even just a few months ago’’.
Council staff needed clarification from Doc on further action that could be taken, he said.
‘‘It’s certainly something that’s been hanging around for quite a long time, so the sooner we can get some confirmation around where that’s at the better.’’
Doc could not respond to questions by yesterday’s deadline.
