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Council to take a further look at coastal erosion

Friday 8 June 2012, 4:42PM

By Hastings District Council

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HASTINGS

Hastings District Council will put a managed retreat option for 21 coastal properties at Haumoana on hold for two years, following submissions from residents to the 2012/22 Long Term Plan.

The beach in front of the properties suffers from erosion and council began the process to find a solution in 2004. This has involved the modeling of a number of groyne options and an investigation into removing the houses from the affected area of coastline (managed retreat).

Councillors have now asked that further refinements be investigated on the proposal to build groynes in front of the homes and that interim protection measures be explored to ensure the safety of the coastal residents. Council officers are to work closely with the affected landowners to determine the best options for protecting their homes in the short term and how this work could be funded.

Hastings District Councillors have also asked that the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council plays a more active role in addressing the issue of coastal erosion.

Council Planning and Regulatory Manager John O’Shaughnessy says “A working party will be formed with representatives from Hastings District Council, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and the Walking on Water group (WOW) to further the groyne proposals and explore the protection measures. The working party has been asked to report back to council no later than June 30th 2014.

Mr O’Shaughnessy says “Councillors have asked that a place based plan be produced which will look at the future of Haumoana and Te Awanga and this work should commence within the next 12 months.”