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The first step in obtaining funding for erosion protection measures on Orewa Beach took place this month, with an update on the Coastal Erosion Challenge presented by Council staff to the Regional Strategy and Policy Committee.
The presentation, by chief engineer infrastructure and environmental services, Sarah Sinclair, on June 4, showed that the wheels are turning on the topic of coastal inundation, albeit slowly.
It identified three areas in Auckland, including Orewa Beach, as examples of vital projects.
The Hibiscus & Bays Local Board is currently considering which plans for Orewa Reserve to release for public consultation – the basic options are “managed retreat” or a substantial seawall (HM May 6).
Currently this area of the beach is managed via regular transfer of sand from the southern end of the beach – a process that may have to continue regardless of which plan for the reserve receives the public’s seal of approval.
The options are being fully costed, and the local board will bring those costs, and public feedback, to the governing body later this year, seeking funding for the work to be made available next financial year.
To do so, the governing body will need to re-allocate money from other areas, but Mayor Len Brown has indicated that this work is a priority.
Funding for public consultation and resource consent applications for the work on Orewa Beach was approved in the Council’s budget, and that process alone could take more than a year.
In the meantime, the Coastal Erosion report showed that Council is monitoring coastal structures and areas that suffer storm effects with the aim of improving decision making on large-scale projects. Engagement with the public is also a focus.
While some councillors indicated that nature would hold sway and shoreline protection would not work long term, Council staff were more optimistic, saying that “engineering and science capability exists within Council to help us manage our risks”. However, it was agreed that the question was cost, and the value to the community of any investment.
Future work will focus on regional approaches to coastal management, community engagement, technical guidance for coastal assets and climate change adaptation. That will feed into Council’s asset management and budget planning.
The next stage is a workshop to be held in August, where councillors will consider the issues.
A full report on coastal erosion, sea level rise and inundation will then be delivered to the governing body, along with a proposed work programme, for approval by October.
The Coastal Update report link [1MB PDF]
