Six weeks to clean up main beach

GOOD PROGRESS: The council is happy with progress so far on the big cleanup of driftwood along the city beach front and it should be finished by early December. Picture by Liam Clayton

CONTRACTORS shifting the driftwood debris from the main city beach front have shifted more than 15,000 cubic metres so far and the council is pleased with progress.

The extent of debris on the beach and the level of annual clean-up was transformed in 24 hours as a result of the September rain storm.

Before the storm the city beach was in the best post-winter state for decades. The flood dumped thousands of tonnes of debris.

“We’re very happy with what has been done so far,” said Gisborne District Council community and recreation facilities team leader Garrett Blair.

“Our plan was to concentrate on the area from The Cut to 50 metres past Grey Street in the first week of the clean-up last week.

“This week the focus has been on clearing the section near the Midway surf club with nippers and patrols to start this weekend,” Mr Blair said.

“We also wanted to ensure access for the public for Guy Fawkes.”

Bonfires can be lit on the beach from Stanley Road to the green navigation beacon tonight. Rural Fire crews will be there to monitor the situation and Centennial Marine Drive will be closed off west of Pacific Street.

Mr Blair said the beach clean would take up to six weeks this year.

“We expect to have the whole job completed by the start of December. We estimate some 45,000 cubic metres of material will need to moved.”

Contractors Downer have been moving about 750 cubic metres a day.

“Between 25 and 30 truck movements along the beach a day, depending on the tide,” Mr Blair said.

“It has been stored temporarily at the southern end of the beach, subject to resource consent procedures. We are still in discussions with the landowners about what will happen to the stored debris long term.”