A start to coastal protection work on Oamaru's foreshore has been delayed by the Waitaki District Council so more information can be obtained.
The council yesterday considered a recommendation that mattress protection work about 400m long, estimated to cost about $700,000, be done from Oamaru Creek outlet south to Holmes wharf.
However, councillors were unsure about the the effectiveness, risk and maintenance costs of mattress protection, one of three options investigated by the council.
Instead, they have referred the proposal to its assets committee for further information and a recommendation by April 30.
Cr Peter Garvan said a lot of emphasis had been put on the price of the work, but the crucial issue was ''would it work''?
Assets group manager Neil Jorgensen said it would work. The question was damage over a 15-year period.
Mattress protection places a gentle slope of protective covering over the erosion-threatened area.
Under storm conditions, that becomes exposed but fills in again with sea gravel during calmer weather.
Other options considered included an offshore breakwater or a sea wall.
While the cost of the work would not be known until tenders were received, the report said it could be carried out for about $700,000, within $800,000 already allowed in the budget.
Water services and waste manager Martin Pacey said that section of coast had suffered coastal erosion at about half a metre a year, but one single storm could remove up to 15m.
''Left unchecked, this erosion will threaten the penguin nesting area and recently capped contaminated land site, where a timber treatment plant used to be,'' he said.
