Dune rebuilt at Midway Surf Club

FINISHED: The completed retaining wall outside the Midway Surf Club. Pictures supplied

A SIX-month project to restore the dune and build a retaining wall in front of the Midway Surf Club was completed last week.

“Volunteers from the surf club and Gisborne District Council worked together on this project, which has made a huge difference to the area,” said GDC community and recreation facilities team leader, Garrett Blair.

The work included building a retaining wall for safety along the bank of the dune, earthworks to extend the dune to reduce erosion and infilling the eroded areas with sand.

The area was planted out with native spinifex, pingao and knobbly clubrush, and fencing put in to protect the young plantings.

“Movement of the dunes and erosion by natural events and public use meant the ecology was in a bad state,” said Mr Blair.

“The dune and health of the plants will be monitored closely over the next five years to make sure the dunes can recover.”

The project was completed for less than half the estimated cost because skilled volunteers from the club helped with planting and building.