A clean-up operation got started around the Grey St area of the city beachfront on Monday morning. Photo / Murray Robertson
A clean-up operation got started around the Grey St area of the city beachfront on Monday morning. Photo / Murray Robertson
Gisborne District Council has urged the public not to walk among the debris on the city beaches until clean-up work has been completed, because the situation can be hazardous.
A clean-up of driftwood debris on the city beachfront started on Monday.
“We have moved quickly to support clean-up efforts forwater users, including for waka ama training and the surfing nationals,” the council said on social media on Monday.
“A reminder that debris on the beach and in the water is a hazard – please avoid swimming and don’t walk amongst the logs until work is complete.”
The public have been urged to keep away from the driftwood on the city beaches until it has been removed. Pictured is Waikanae Beach on Monday. Photo / Murray Robertson
When it came to the debris around the city bridges, the council said the build-up was considerably less than during the severe storms of 2023.
“Contractors are finalising the removal plan, with work to be completed this week, depending on tides.
“The work we’ve been doing to remove debris from catchments like the Waimata, using government funding received following Cyclone Gabrielle, has helped to reduce the impacts at the bridges and on the beaches,” the council said.
It’s estimated that 3500-5700 cubic metres of debris had washed up on the city beaches.
“Around 30% is medium-large material [about 472 logs], a mix of pine, willow and poplar, plus items like posts and jetties.
“Government funding does not cover this beach clean-up event.
“The response will be funded by budget collected via the targeted forestry rate in the council’s Three Year Plan.”
The council said there was a relatively small amount of debris on the beach south of the Ūawa River.
“Estimated volume less than 1000 cubic metres, around 30% of it medium-large size [about 258 logs], a mix of pine with willow and poplar.
“It’s not currently a hazard for people using the beach near the Tolaga Wharf or north Tolaga Bay beach, but we’re asking people and water users to stay cautious, especially as conditions change.”
Contractors have been out across the roading network checking conditions after the heavy rain over the weekend.
“Overall, roads have held up relatively well, but there are a few key closures and restrictions to note.”
Waimata Valley Rd was to reopen to heavy vehicles on Monday night.
Glenroy Rd, East Cape Rd and Bruce Rd remained closed as of Tuesday.
Makorori Headland remained closed, with land movement assessed on Tuesday.
“Rural roads and areas at risk of landslides and prone to erosion, including inspection of the water pipeline, will be assessed by air over the next two days.
“We ask people to check for instability around their homes.”
This photograph taken during the Saturday rainstorm was taken at the Taruheru River end of Bright St, not by the marina. Photo / Murry Cave
