Bulldozing sands to be reviewed

Photo/Nelson Lebo.

Wanganui's district council is to look at options for the future of the Castlecliff beachfront.

Currently the council has a resource consent to bulldoze the sands on the beach, from in front of the parking area and swimming area at Rangiora St down the Morgan St.

But that control method was questioned at the operations and reporting committee meeting this week.

Councillor Martin Visser said he wondered at the value of bulldozing the sand when it was constantly on the move.

Property manager Rowan McGregor said council had decided 12 years ago to tackle the shifting sands this way because the beachfront "is a high-energy shoreline".

"The dunes behind the shoreline will continue to grow because it's a natural process. But the aim is to maintain a clear beach for both swimmers and other beach users.

"During a windy summer, such as we're experiencing, the sand builds up and we have to remove it," he said.

A review of beachfront maintenance was scheduled for 2015-16 and the issue would probably focus on whether people wanted a clear beachfront or a more natural one, with dunes and access via timber walkways.

"We certainly need some expert advice on how we could handle it," Mr McGregor said.

Mayor Annette Main said council had been approached by people "representing both sides of the argument".

"The least we should be doing is meeting with the people most interested in the beachfront," Ms Main said.

"It's not about having a fight over this but rather find out these views and look for solutions, because it's going to come up constantly."

Mr McGregor said council had tried to encourage Horizons Regional Council and the Department of Conservation to be involved but he said while they were sympathetic they were not signalling any financial support.