Sand returning to St Clair beach..

The Ocean Beach is a scene of incessant warfare between land and water, and an annual inspection of the frontier of silver sand shows to what extent one or the other has prevailed.

The Ocean Beach possesses remarkable characteristics, one of which is the undertow that makes it such a dangerous place to bathe from, and incidentally shifts so many tons of sand.

For this the tremendous inrush of billows to the Brighton Bight is mainly responsible.

The heaped-up waters find an easy egress by the narrow channel between White Island and Forbury Head, through which they pass at the rate of three miles an hour, thus causing a scour, which, though felt most severely at St. Clair, affects the whole foreshore right down to Lawyer's Head.

Were it not for the Ocean Beach Domain Board, a high spring tide, accompanied by a heavy gale from southerly, might result in a flooded St. Kilda.

A buffer has been found in the sand, swept to and fro by the sea and blown about in clouds by every wind.

Not a very stable material but with a little ingenuity and a great deal of perseverance the Domain Board has succeeded beyond expectations.

Scrub fences were erected to act as revetments, and the sand drifted and covered them, precisely as it blotted out the cities of the Pharaohs.

More fences were made and in turn covered, and the coarse, hardy sand grass, spreading and growing steadily, served further, as it were, to bind the compact.

• A strong, respectable-looking man came before the Benevolent Trustees yesterday, and, with the homely burr of Scotland, asked for aid.

He was 30 years of age, was married, and had been employed as a warehouse measurer in Glasgow.

Times were bad there, and he had scraped together enough money to pay his passage to New Zealand.

Having had experience of work in woollen mills, he applied at the Oamaru, Roslyn, and Mosgiel mills in vain.

On Monday he had walked in from Mosgiel, after having spent Sunday night in a stable, and was now literally starving.

He broke down then, and the big manly frame, weakened by hunger and the long, vain search for work and independence, was shaken with weary sobs.

The trustees promised him immediate help, and sent him off with a coin, cheered and grateful, to buy himself a good square meal. - ODT, 10.12.1908.

The two research studies that were commissioned recently are now well underway.

The first of these (the ecological study into fauna and flora) should be finished before the end of 2008, while the second research program (studies into historical, cultural and social elements) will take some months to complete.

The next steps in the latter studies include further consultation with the public and community groups. Letters are being sent to those groups now, inviting them to attend focus group meetings that are being arranged for late November/early December.

Discussion at these meetings should help identify key community aspirations for Ocean Beach, the foreshore and the Domain generally.

A full topographical survey of Ocean Beach was carried out in late October as part of the long term planning process for the Beach, and a bathymetric survey should get underway next month.

Separately, a 'Cam-Era' site has been identified, and two cameras have now been installed that are providing digital, time lapse photos of the beach and surf lines on the Ocean Beach.

The images provided by these cameras can be seen on the NIWA website (opens in a new window).

The very necessary research into the best solution for Ocean Beach is now well underway.

In the last few weeks studies have been commissioned into the historical, cultural, and social, elements that will help us understand how human intervention in the past might have affected the present situation. An ecological study of the area is also underway. Following discussions with NIWA (the National Institute of Weather and Atmospheric Research), a Cam-Era site has also been selected. This will provide time lapse digital images of the shoreline and surf zones to locate erosion 'hot spots'.

A full topographical survey of Ocean Beach will be carried out this month. Work is also underway to carry out a bathymetric (sea floor) survey off Ocean Beach later this year or early in 2009.

Most of the above projects should be completed by March 2009, and will help us to prepare a draft long term plan for the management of the Ocean Beach. As previously advised, there will be further public consultation with the public before the reviewed plan is presented to the Council for consideration. It is only at the end of that process that consents for the long term plan will be sought.

copied from stuff.co.nz
Six of the country's best surf breaks are just a short ride away from getting national park status. By PHIL HAMILTON - The Press | Friday, 26 September 2008

Under the Department of Conservation's proposed coastal policy, the six surf breaks of national significance Shipwrecks in Ahipara, Raglan, Stent Road in Taranaki, White Rock in the Wairarapa, Mangamaunu near Kaikoura and Papatowai in the Catlins would become protected surfing reserves.

However, the Christchurch City Council has opposed the move at hearings this week despite none of the breaks falling within its boundaries.

Christchurch surfer and lawyer Jonathan McCarthy, who will speak at the hearings today on behalf of Surfing NZ and Surfers Environmental Advocacy, said it was essential the breaks were protected as other surf spots had been considered expendable in the past by local and central government.

He cited the Whangamata marina controversy and a famous wave in Mundaca, Spain that disappeared after dredging to deepen a harbour destroyed the sand bars.

"Literally overnight they destroyed one of the world's greatest waves," he said.

"That is the equivalent of climbers no longer being able to climb Aoraki or Everest."

He said surfing reserves were the only way of ensuring waves were protected, with both access by surfers and the swell guaranteed. It would prevent such activities as high density mussel farms or sand dredging that could ruin a wave or block the swell getting in.

McCarthy said New Zealand trailed Australia which had already established surfing reserves in New South Wales and Victoria.

Long-time Christchurch surfer, photographer and teacher Warren Hawke said it was an idea whose time had come.

"It's timely it happens now because of of the growth of things like mussel farming," he said.

"It's really important recreational users of the sea, their use is protected in the future.

"As they say, we are caretakers for our children."

The 55-year-old, who is the principal of Governors Bay School, first surfed Mangamaunu in 1969 and said it deserved to be included among the nation's six best spots.

"It's the classic Rincon-style (in California) point break, it's very well known, people can see it from the main road and tourists often stop there to watch the surfers."

Hawke said he would like to see Banks Peninsula's Hickory and Magnet bays also made surfing reserves.

Christchurch council healthy environment programme manager Jenny Ridgen said the council was not opposed to surf breaks but to the principle and approach of protecting one particular leisure activity.

"This is just one of many issues along with diving spots and fishing spots," she said.

"But it seems to have been given specific preference and our concern is it sets it above other things that are equally important to others."

Ridgen said the council believed the protection of nationally significant surf spots would come under another policy that covered the maintenance and enhancement of natural sites of particular value for outdoor recreation.

"We don't think it's good policy."

The hearings will conclude in mid-December and recommendations for the coastal policy will then be sent to the Minister of Conservation.

Spring is into gear, new things continue to pop up everywhere, and leave.
The sand is back on the beach in front of the sea wall, thanks to some recent east Swells.

The Motel is slowly growning, with concrete prefab panels being slotted in strategically like a house of cards.

I haven't reported much recently on the erosion management saga at Ocean Beach. Pretty much after the last public consultation rounds in April I realised there is nothing a single member of the public can do to make a difference to any outcome.
This was verified a few weeks back after I received the Emergency Response Teams minutes of their meeting over the public submissions made.
The deliberations recorded that the following be investigated and implemented:
* St Clair Sea Wall - information on the consent process, in particular why an offshore reef was rejected.
* Monitoring and analysis on the failure of the ramps and stairs.
* The formation of John Wilson memorial Drive.
* Items for funding
* Ongoing communication and work with the community, including the formation of a group of 'Key Stakeholders'
And that the information and Data gathering process outlined in the 13th November 2007 report from the Parks and Reserves team leader be confirmed and approved. View here pg 8
(Note, nothing new, nothing less)

What got my goat was; attached to the above meeting minutes was a short council written summary of some of the public submitters from April. In these what some said was twisted, misquoted and dotted with inaccuracies.
This affirmed that these submitters were not properly listened to or understood, which is both a disappointment and a negligent act of disrespect.

10th June 2008 Community Planning Committee meeting on Ocean Beach Public Feedback



Above & below: 10th of July, more sand replenishment, see article above, another $40,000 worth.

Below, some images from the 18th Of June 2008

Below: 5th Of February this year

A foggy morning before work.

Dunedin beaches seriously eroded

ODT By John Lewis on Thu, 8 May 2008

Dunedin City Council parks and reserves team leader Martin Thompson said there had been significant loss of sand and some localised erosion, which had exposed the sand sausages to the east of the wooden groyne.

‘‘Work to recover these will be carried out over the next few days, along with the transportation of dredged sand to replenish the stockpile at the eastern end of the beach,'' he said.

The top of the ‘‘reno mattress'', which was installed near Moana Rua Rd in July 2007, had also been exposed. However, no significant erosion had occurred at this stage.

Since last June, the council had spent nearly $1.2 million on repairing and controlling the erosion, and about 30,000 cubic metres of sand had been moved or replaced in the area.

.. For The Future Of The City's Main Beaches
source link
April 21, 2008 - 5:34pm

Solutions ranging from a solid rock wall to an artificial surf reef are being considered by the Dunedin City Council, as it plans for the future of the city's main beaches.
Hearings on stabilising St Kilda, St Clair and Middle Beaches began today, with more than 30 people and groups asking to speak to the hearings panel.
Erosion of the beaches became a hot topic last year, when large portions of the sand-hills were washed away in Winter storms, leaving a sheer cliff between rugby fields at Kettle Park and Middle Beach below.
The beaches were put in more danger, after someone vandalised emergency measures put in place to protect the sand-hills.
The Council hearings committee will make recommendations to an emergency response team looking for a solution.

Otago Daily Times
By David Loughrey on Wed, 23 Apr 2008
The St Clair sea wall's effect on erosion, and support for an artificial reef to help the problem, came through strongly at a hearing yesterday trying to find ways to hold on to Dunedin's sand.

Several surfers emphasised the sport's popularity, and the degradation of the beach since the new sea wall was built.

The second and last day of public submissions, before city councillors Paul Hudson, Colin Weatherall and Dave Cull, was held yesterday, at a hearing that is part of investigations into stabilising the city's beaches, which were badly eroded during storms last year.

Issues that came up regularly from submitters included claims land reclaimed near the St Clair Salt Water Pool had added to the erosion, and affected the surf break.

Nicola Reeves, a surfer, has been writing a blog about the erosion, and researching the issue. She suggested using Holmberg Industries' technology of "undercurrent stabilisers'', and also called for dune development with plantings, even if it meant the loss of Kettle Park.

Holmberg is a United States-based company that has approached the council offering its services, and uses low-profile geo-textile tubes placed at an angle perpendicular to the shore, designed to baffle the sea's energy.

Ms Reeves questioned the public submission process, and claimed submitters had not been listened to during consultation on the sea wall.

Today and tomorrow, the members of the public who made submissions to the Ocean Beach Management Plan will have their 15 minutes each to speak to a panel about their submissions made.
The tree that was sent out with the copies of each submission was interesting reading, with suggestions ranging from letting the beach engulf South Dunedin and relocate the residents and businesses permanently, to a sea wall right along to Lawyers Head with a railway line/boardwalk on top of it, a series of offshore reefs, realigning the sea wall in the pool carpark corner, sand pumping and replenishment, getting rid of the sportsfields and creating a natural dune system again. And of course soft shore protection installed by Holmberg.

Personally I favour the one submitted by the Otago Judo Alliance, who have kindly volunteered to offer their members as sandbags.

Get off your complacent butt!
If you want to continue to enjoy your beloved local surfing breaks, you need to start acting on an individual level to benefit the collective whole and ensure that our Otago surf breaks and swell corridors are preserved. Don't think that 'someone' will take action to ensure that these surf breaks are not destroyed by avoidable man-made environmental disasters.

A once in ten year opportunity has arisen with the revision of the NZ Coastal Policy Statement. This statement guides the management of the coastal environment under the Resource Management Act. Council planning and resource consent decisions must adhere to the policies in this statement.

NZCPS - Policy 20
SURF BREAKS OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE

The surf breaks at AHIPARA, RAGLAN, STENT ROAD, WHITE ROCK, MANGAMAUNU AND PAPATOWAI which are of national significance to surfing shall be protected from inappropriate use and development by:

a) ensuring that activities in the coastal marine area do not adversely affect the surf breaks and;
b) avoiding, remedying and mitigating adverse effects of other activities on access to and the use and enjoyment of the surf breaks.

The New Zealand Surfbreak Protection Society says of the already proposed protected surf breaks:
"Of course many surfbreaks are missing and the breaks also need specifying as to their proper names and location. This is where you can help.

In preparation for its submission workshop in April, Surfbreak urges all surfers, be it as individuals or clubs, to let Surfbreak know what breaks you consider should be prioritised for national importance in your region and included in the NZCPS. Please provide names and exact location. An opportunity for a review like this only comes around every 10 years, so here is our chance for protection of our breaks at national level!"

Now I can think of a number of surf breaks around Otago/Dunedin that are currently under threat, having already experienced a dramatic change in character in recent years.
Murderers- the dumping of dredged sand from continual Otago Harbour dredging at Haywards Point has seriously changed the characteristics of the breaking wave with sand build up along the rocks.
Aramoana - sandbanks further offshore created from dumped dredging sand have dissipated the swell reaching the inner surfing banks.

Currently the Otago Harbour Board is conducting a public consultation process due to their intention to begin a massive environmentally impactful mission to deeper the Otago Harbour to allow massive ships to enter. The massive volumes of dredging will be dumped not far offshore and will quite possible have an even greater adverse effect on the North Harbour Surf Breaks. Did I say massive? This is BIG stuff. Having just one of these northern breaks protected under the NZCPS-policy 20 as a 'surfbreak of National Importance' - would legally ensure that any proposed future activity would not compromise at all the quality and natural charactistics of these breaks.

St Clair - A surf break of National Significance? debatable?
It has many unique characteristics, proximity to a major city, quality of waves popularity and public use. St Clair suffers from ongoing issues of water contamination, adverse effects created by the Sea Wall redesign on surfing banks with a marked deterioration of the quality of surf (ask the old guys). Severe erosion over the last two years, loss of a dry sand beach, loss of amenity value and others issues which pose a serious physical danger to members of the public.
St Clair is just an example of how a surf break can be progressively ruined by an un-reigned consent process. (Remember with the public consultation in 2001 and subsequent consents granted, we were assured there would be no adverse affects on the environment or amenity value)
We are facing more future consent applications which may again have an irreversible and detrimental affect on St Clair and St Kilda in the future.

Lets protect what we love, because the DCC and ORC don't seem to care!

DO you care?
What are you going to do?
I would be very grateful to receive any comments on this blog post.
- What it was like at these breaks 5-10-20 years ago
- Changes you have observed
- Your willingness to back a submission.
- Any other comments
or email me privately at phoam.arts (at) gmail (dot) com

If you have not seen my other blog Save Ocean Beach - I suggest you pop over and check it out.

Consultation closes: 5pm on the 7th May 2008
How to make a submission:
Link to Submission Form

Any person may make a submission on the proposal. You may do so by sending a written submission to:

Board of Inquiry - Proposed New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement
C/- The Department of Conservation
PO Box 10 420
WELLINGTON 6143

Submissions may also be emailed to submissions.nzcps@doc.govt.nz
Your submission should state whether you support or oppose the proposal; any changes that you want made; and reasons for your views. Your submission must state whether or not you wish to be heard on the submission.
Your submission should include your name, postal address, phone number and (if applicable) email address.

Download Publication

Proposed New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2008 (PDF, 5910K) (High resolution file)

Proposed New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 2008 (PDF, 171K) (Low resolution file)

By RYAN EVANS ryan.evans@tnl.co.nz - Taranaki Daily News | Tuesday, 18 March 2008
source link
Taranaki's world-renowned surf breaks are set to receive official recognition in the region's new policy statement.

The New Plymouth Surfriders' Club says the region's waves should be protected as virtually irreplaceable natural features and a submission to the Taranaki Regional Council calls for policies protecting the breaks, their water quality and public access.

(pic from www.wannasurf.com)

"Outside of Hawaii, Taranaki has more quality breaks per kilometre than anywhere else in the world," club secretary Allen Pidwell says. "With the shape of our coast, it makes it almost like an island with a number of world class breaks. It's really quite unique."

Mr Pidwell says the breaks need protection from physical developments such as coastal dredging or aquaculture farms and from coastal subdivisions which can restrict access.

The TRC has proposed changes to the draft statement to reflect the club's submission, meaning any future coastal plans must consider the breaks as natural features needing protection.

The TRC has also highlighted the need for consultation and agreement with landowners over access.

Pic from (www.lostinthe60s.com)

Mr Pidwell says the surf breaks are vital to the region's character and economy through the success of advertising and the Surf Highway 45 concept.

"If you don't protect your natural features, then why advertise it? It's the same as the mountain and the national park."

The Regional Policy Statement provides guidelines on environmental matters throughout Taranaki and is required for all regional councils under the Resource Management Act 1991.

Taranaki's existing policy statement was the first to be approved in New Zealand and has been effective since 1994.

The 10-year review of the statement began in 2003.

There were 35 submissions received, including the New Plymouth Surfriders' Club's, when submissions closed in November 2006. A further 21 secondary submissions were then received by the closing date in April last year.

The TRC's report on submissions, including proposed changes to the statement, will now be sent out to all submitters for consideration.

Pre-hearing meetings will be held over the next two months before any changes are adopted.

___________________________

I can't support enough the members of the New Plymouth Surfriders' Club's, having the vision to protect that which they value, their surfbreaks. If only more clubs around New Zealand had the same vision.

Press Release: New Zealand Government -Monday, 10 March 2008, 8:14 am

source link

A Board of Inquiry has been appointed to get public feedback on a new national policy statement, which will guide councils on how to manage development along our coastline.

Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick has appointed the board to carry out public consultation on a draft New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement, which will update the 1994 statement.
The document guides the management of the coastal environment under the Resource Management Act. Council planning and resource consent decisions must adhere to the policies in this statement.
Steve Chadwick says coastal development is an issue that most New Zealanders feel very strongly about, and this consultation is about making sure the guidelines reflect what communities want for the coast.

“The Labour-led government believes it’s important to protect New Zealand’s stunning coastline, and make sure that development doesn’t destroy what we love about it. This process allows every New Zealander to have their say about the new Coastal Policy Statement.”

The new Statement aims to be clearer and stronger than the 1994 document, and to address issues that have become more pressing over the past decade, such as coastal subdivision and climate change.

Examples of what the statement requires councils to do include:
Protecting surf breaks of national importance
Reducing impacts on endangered species; for example, Maui’s dolphin Working closely with local iwi to protect certain aspects of our coastline Principles to guide coastal subdivision; for example, to reduce ribbon developments or destruction of natural values.

The draft statement is now available at www.doc.govt.nz.

The Board of Inquiry is taking written public submissions until 7 May, and public hearings will be held later this year.

Steve Chadwick says this opportunity comes along only once every 10 years, and urges everyone to have their say in what kind of development should happen along our precious coastline.

“This will make sure that the management of our coast reflects what people in our communities want.”

Background information:

What is the NZ Coastal Policy Statement? The New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement (NZCPS) sets out the policies that guide the work of councils managing activities and development along the New Zealand coastline.

The document states national policy on the management of the coastal environment under the Resource Management Act. Council planning and resource consent decisions must adhere to the policies in this statement.

Who is on the Board of Inquiry? The Chair of the Board is Alternate Environment Court Judge Shonagh Kenderdine. The other board members are: Rikirangi Gage, Executive Director of Te Runanga o te Whanau Tribal Authority, Eastern Bay of Plenty David Hill, Director of Hill, Young Cooper Ltd, Auckland Philip Woollaston, former Minister of Conservation and MP and Mayor of Nelson.

What has happened so far? The current New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement (NZCPS) was issued in 1994. An independent review in 2003-04 found that while the statement had been useful, it needed to be updated, strengthened and clarified in some areas.
After a pause for RMA reforms in 2004-05, the Department of Conservation released an issues and options paper for submissions in 2006. In 2007, a draft NZ Coastal Policy Statement was prepared. The Board of Inquiry has now been appointed, has called for submissions on the draft statement. The new statement is designed to better address the current issues being faced by coastal communities.

What is the timeframe and what will the Board of Inquiry do? The draft document is available at www.doc.govt.nz. The Board of Inquiry is taking written public submissions until 7 May. Public hearings will also be held later this year for people or groups that want to speak in support of their submissions.
The Board will consider all submissions and is due to report to the Minister in late 2008. The exact timing depends how many submissions are received and how complex the issues raised are.

What are the issues the new statement will address?
Key issues include: Growing demand for coastal space and resources Concern about the nature of some coastal subdivision and developments Increased awareness and planning for climate change Water quality Resources of particular interest to Maori Public access to the coast The need to protect New Zealand’s natural coastal environment and its plant and animal life.

What is the cost of this process? The Board of Inquiry process is expected to cost between $300,000 - $400,000, depending on how many submissions are received and how many hearings are required.

View the 1994 NZ Coastal Policy Statement here

Read about the debate over the definition of the preservation of 'natural characteristics' of the coastline from the original NZCPS here

GRANITY is on the West Coast of the South Island.
Reported on Campbell Live on:
Mon, 24 Jul 2006 08:00p.m.
link source

"With three and a half metres of land being claimed by rising seas each year, the residents of Granity on the West Coast fear their homes are under threat. NIWA says nearly a third of our entire coastline is in danger of erosion.

So how can we preserve what we've got?"

We have just received the video and narration from David l. Schultz, P.E (Professional Engineer) who lives in America. He has extensively studied the benefits and effects of Holmberg Technologies; Undercurrent Stabilisers for shoreline protection.
The video explains more about the effects on the shoreline with the use of vertical sea walls, groins and rock revetments.

Ocean Beach Feedback Form - please provide details Submissions close at noon on 29 February 2008

This is not a submission on a resource consent application.

The purpose is to get feedback on the proposed data collection.

Your Name and Address Fields are required and must be provided.

(( words in brackets are intended as a guide ))

FEEDBACK

We/I agree disagree (please choose) with the proposed data collection for the following reasons:

( the data collection referred to here is listed in this link. I feel its hard to choose either agree or disagree here as there are many differing options. Many studies have been conducted in the past, but no ultimate 'all encompassing' comprehensive studies. Despite the fact that an ultimate study of the Ocean Beach area has been requested repeatedy since 1908. )

We/I would like the following data to be collected:

( here is where you suggest further data that in your opinion needs to be collected to guarantee an all encompassing/comprehensive study which will enable a sucessful anaylysis of erosion management options. Not many of us are qualified geomorpholigists/coastal engineers, so good luck.)

We/I suggest the following could assist the Council: (please include name, area of expertise and contact details)

(here you suggest any other information you may have from observation or experience of the Sea and Wave action in a historical perspective. AND also suggest any alternative erosion management options. Personally I support Holmberg Technologies and their undercurrent stabilisers as an option for investigation by the council) .

		We/I value the following about the Ocean Beach area:

(basically here add what you value, eg: wide sandy beach, natural dune system, walkways public access, the quality of the surf waves and any values assets you appreciate about the area)

Any additional comments:

(any other issues you wish to bring up eg: fears, legislation, cost, global warming etc)

We/I would like would not like (please choose) the opportunity to speak verbally to the Panel considering this information.

(hearings will be held through March 2008, don't be shy)

The Panel can can not (please choose) contact me if it has any questions in relation to this feedback form.

(your choice)

SUBMIT

Points to consider:
1. funding has already been approved in January for the proposed data collection.. this is around $300,000 ..
2. Under the Resource management Act the Councils have guidelines as to what is required for public access and amenity value for the reserve area. Also in the NZ Coastal Policy Statement.

Storms Have Further Eroded Parts Of Ocean Beach
From Channel 9 Website - February 20, 2008 - 8:57pm
source link
"Storms at the weekend have further eroded parts of Ocean Beach, an area previously troubled by high seas and storm damage.

The rough weather has exposed more than 20 meters of the sand sausages, which were placed on the beach last year after storms caused substantial erosion.
The DCC says contractors are once again replacing sand which has been washed away.
The council says the large sea swell the coast has been experiencing will ease this week."

Above: Thursday at low tide, truck loads of sand await placement, with the newly repaired and extended steps in the foreground.

Above: wave refraction off the rip rap at the base of the wall closer to the Salt Water Pool, assisted in the agitation and suspension of sand, which was carried off to deeper water.

Above: Steep dune faces are showing new growth of vegetation, in the distance a digger awaits the return of the T-Rex truck to transport another load of sand to the freshly eroded dunes between the sea wall and and the poles.

At (I heard) $10,000 a day for sand replenishment, this is going to be a steep ongoing cost for us ratepayers for the next 4 years until the council decides on a long term 'solution'. A yearly 'holding pattern' budget of between $295,000 and $325,000 a year over this time went up for approval in January for the 2008-9 funding round.

Above: Sand replenished over the exposed rocks immediately adjacent to the end of the sea wall after storms over the weekend.

Above: Monday this week, after the weekend storm ate into the replenished sand placed to protect the damaged sand sausages.

Above: a few weeks back on the 5th Feb, after a couple of solid east swells had naturally replenished and raised the beach profile at St Clair.

Storms Have Further Eroded Parts Of Ocean Beach

February 20, 2008 - 8:57pm Channel 9 local news story

Storms at the weekend have further eroded parts of Ocean Beach, an area previously troubled by high seas and storm damage.
The rough weather has exposed more than 20 meters of the sand sausages, which were placed on the beach last year after storms caused substantial erosion.
The DCC says contractors are once again replacing sand which has been washed away.
The council says the large sea swell the coast has been experiencing will ease this week.

Finally a notice is erected in an appropriate place to warn people of the danger of playing on the dunes. Action by the DCC has been called for since early August from members of the public both via email and the ODT letters to the editor.. my blog post.


Above two and below, recent East Swells have naturally replenished the beaches along the coast, especially noticable along the front of the sea wall at St Clair.

Below: a wider beach profile along from St Kilda to Middles can be seen.

Full moon action again, against the sea wall, some fiery sprays shooting up the wall.

update on the construction of the Chittock Empires' Hotel on the corner of The Esplanade and Bedford Street.
Two below, back in April/May in the days when the sun shone, and the ground was dry.


Below: The the 6th of June, great progress.


Above, the 18th June, precast panels to encase the lift shaft.
Below, the 10th of July