The ongoing problem of erosion along the North Otago coast, threatening roads and property, is being attacked on two fronts by the Waitaki District Council.
A special subcommittee to look into the problem is expected to make recommendations later next month while, at the same time, the council is telling the Government it needs to get involved.
In the past year, coastal erosion has caused the demolition of part of two buildings in Oamaru, the temporary closure of about 400m of Beach Rd and forced the council to carry out protection work along the Oamaru to Waianakarua coast road.
It has put in protection work just south of All Day Bay between Kakanui and Waianakarua so the road could again be open to two lanes of traffic and is at present carrying out about $500,000 worth of work on the intersection of Thousand Acre and Beach Rds, where erosion has eaten away the cliff face.
Heavy seas continue to pose a danger to the Oamaru to Waianakarua coast road and the foreshore in Oamaru.
The subcommittee, made up of Crs Pam Spite and Alistair Mavor, has been tasked with inspecting the damage and coming up with long-term solutions.
A report from roading assets manager Gary Woock suggested options ranging from shifting roads further inland to the long-term possibility of closing Beach Rd between Oamaru and Thousand Acre Rd.
Corporate services group manager Stephen Halliwell told the council's strategy committee on Tuesday the subcommittee had inspected the erosion problem between Oamaru and Waianakarua and would shortly be talking with property owners.
The temporary closure of Beach Rd between Gardners and Thousand Acre Rds would continue, with a diversion along Gardners Rd, until the subcommittee made its recommendations.
The council was awaiting a report from a consultant on the erosion and its long-term effects.
"The subcommittee has not restricted its options at this stage," he said.
The council's strategy committee decided to make a submission on the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement, calling on the Government to address the issue of coastal erosion.
The submission said a large number of strategic assets were located along the coast and local councils needed assistance to protect them.
The council said the policy statement did not adequately address the issue of coastal erosion and how the cost of protecting assets should be met.
That problem would be compounded by climate change bringing rising sea levels.
It suggested the costs should be shared between the Government and local authorities.
"The Government has not indicated that any additional support or financial assistance will be made available to assist local authorities dealing with the impact of [coastal] erosion..."
