GDC initiates beach clean-up after recent storm, wood debris removal under way

Siteworx Civil workers were hard at it yesterday as another clearance of woody debris on city beaches began in earnest following last weekend’s rain. Pictures by Liam Clayton

Gisborne District Council has announced another full clean-up of the latest storm debris piled up on city beaches will start some time in the next couple of weeks.

Contractors will first clear wood debris in front of the Waikanae and Midway surf lifesaving clubs.

“The plan is to have this done by the weekend, working around tides and into the evening so the clubs can operate any rescue equipment if needed,” the council said in a statement.

“The wood will be moved to piles down the beach to be removed, with the full beach clean-up planned to start early to mid-December, weather permitting.

“We’re aware that there’s debris still coming ashore and the build-up around the rail bridge (across Tūranganui River) is also washing away with the tides,” the council said.

“We plan to use boats and manpower to dislodge any larger debris remaining around the rail bridge once the water clears and tides are in our favour.”

Warning signs have been back up on the city beaches, warning of the dangers of debris washing up and reminding people to keep away from logs on the shoreline.

“We remind anyone out in or on the water to take extra care and keep an eye out for floating logs and debris as they can sometimes be hidden just under the water.

“The clean-up of woody debris in our region is 100 percent government-funded from the $37 million allocated for silt and woody debris clean-up.

“Our focus is to clean this up as quickly as possible before it causes more damage to the environment, communities, waterways and critical infrastructure.”

The council will also target catchment areas for clean-up, including Te Arai, Waimatā, Waipaoa, Hikuwai and Waiapu.

Beaches include the city beaches to the Waipaoa River mouth, Browns Beach, Tikapa, Tokomaru Bay, Pouawa (large logs only), Te Wherowhero, Ruatōria, Wainui and Makorori.

“The clean-up is our focus, not apportioning costs for this work.”