Save Ocean Beach

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE HELD IN
THE EDINBURGH ROOM, MUNICIPAL
CHAMBERS, ON MONDAY 30 AUGUST 1999,

(abridged)
3
Lyndon Weggery
Mr Weggery expressed concern that access to Middle Beach at St Clair was being
eroded away, thus preventing access, and he requested Council to take a proactive
approach to resolving this and the Esplanade Sea Wall problem. He recognised
that Council had no surplus funds to allocate to the Esplanade Sea Wall
investigations, but he believed that Otago Regional Council consent would not be
obtained until fundamental hydrological investigations had been undertaken. He
asked Council to consider allocating some funds to the project so that such a study
could be undertaken in the near future.
4
Tony Ryder
Mr Ryder noted with concern the ongoing effects of the sea on the St Clair
Esplanade Sea Wall, and suggested a potential solution to the present problems.
He believed that the situation could be alleviated by the placement of a sandbag
reef out to sea, which would create a type of breakwater. This would have the
effect of dissipating the energy of the waves. He noted that new technology was
available to construct large sandbags of this type, and the strategy would have the
effect of producing good surfing waves and sheltered in-shore areas
Mr Ryder noted that the University of Otago Marine Science Department would
be able to undertake the necessary studies on the beach profile and current.
Although he was unsure of the exact costs involved, he was aware of similar
systems which had been successfully installed at overseas sites.

It was moved (Benson-Pope/Bezett):
“That $60,000, being the first of two allocations for a hydrological
study, be committed to the Esplanade Wall report as an authorised
over-expenditure.”
It was commented that there were many theories and proposals with respect to the
Esplanade Wall, and that further information was necessary before an informed
decision on the best way of addressing the problem could be made.
Cr Benson-Pope noted that a Working Party had been formed for this purpose, and
could report on these matters at the next meeting of the Planning and Environment
Committee.
With the agreement of the seconder, the motion was withdrawn.
It was moved (Hanan/The Mayor):
“That the Working Party examine the issue of the Esplanade Wall,
and report on this matter at the next meeting of the Planning and
Environment Committee.”
Motion carried.
Cr Benson-Pope requested staff to include for consideration the costs of the design
and incremental replacement of the Esplanade Wall as an item in the 2000/2001
draft Annual Plan.