Save Ocean Beach

A public hearing next month will help decide what to do about erosion problems threatening Dunedin's Middle Beach.

The Dunedin City Council has been investigating the problems, and what to do about them, since severe storms in 2007 first highlighted the threat of erosion to Kettle Park and other facilities in the area.

That resulted in a draft Ocean Beach management plan prepared by consultant Tonkin and Taylor last year, covering a 4km area stretching from St Clair to Lawyers Head.

The draft plan recommended continuing the council's holding pattern of monitoring and sand-replenishment work - put in place after the 2007 storms - in the meantime.

However, the report also canvassed 13 longer-term options and recommended a managed retreat from Middle Beach and Kettle Park, or construction of an inland buried backstop wall to protect the area over the next 10 to 50 years, at an initial estimated cost of between $8 million and $19 million.

Yesterday, council community and recreation services manager Mick Reece said public consultation on the draft plan had prompted 17 submissions, including input from the Department of Conservation and individuals.

About half supported the draft plan's recommendations, while the rest had mixed views, he said.

A public hearing, set down for February 21 to 23, would be held to help determine a way forward, Mr Reece said.

chris.morris@odt.co.nz