19 February 2021
The restoration of Te Rauone Beach has the green light to proceed.
Port Otago and the Te Rauone Beach Coast Care Committee have been working together for about 10 years, with the goal of restoring and developing the beach.
Port Otago will build three rock groynes in a configuration that will sustain an attractive recreational beach for the community. Alongside this work, Dunedin City Council is upgrading the Te Rauone Beach Reserve.
A resource consent application for the BECA-engineered rock groynes and sand re-nourishment was lodged with the Otago Regional Council and Dunedin City Council in December 2019. It attracted 365 submissions – two against, one neutral and 362 in favour. A public hearing was held on 15 December and consent was granted two days later. The appeal period passed with no objections.
Te Rauone Beach Coast Care Committee member Des Smith attended the hearing. "I was absolutely thrilled with the outcome, particularly for our chairman Graeme Burns and our Committee who have worked so hard over a long period of time. I believe things that are really worthwhile in life do take time to achieve and reach the desired outcome. Granting of this consent was a momentous day for all involved."
Des is looking forward to the first rocks being put in place on the groynes. "Once construction is complete, it will be exciting to see the sand being placed onto the beach. I plan to be down there with my shoes off, testing it out alongside the rest of our delighted community."
Port Otago Chief Executive Kevin Winders says the positive hearing and the judge's prompt decision were a real endorsement of the project's intent. "This is a long-term vision coming to fruition. It benefits the continued good health of our harbour and the community can once again enjoy an amenity beach on their doorstep. Everything going to plan, work will begin later this year."
For more information, contact:
Kevin Winders – 027 432 1530
Des Smith – 021 736 116