Improvements planned for Western Bays beaches

From City Scene, published on 2 September, 2007

Residents in the west of our city should soon be able to enjoy newly made-over beaches.

Funding for the sand replenishment of Pt Chevalier Beach, three Herne Bay beaches (Herne Bay, Sentinel Road Beach and Hamilton Beach Reserve), Blockhouse Bay Beach and Taylors Reserve Beach has been allocated for the much-needed upgrades.

The work is part of the council's $7.74 million isthmus beach replenishment programme to reduce coastal erosion and improve recreational access to city beaches.

Arts, Culture, Recreation Committee chairperson, Councillor Penny Sefuiva, says the upgrades will ensure generations to come can enjoy these beaches.

"Spending quality time on our beautiful beaches is an integral part of the Auckland city lifestyle and it is essential we maintain them to continue to provide the high-standard of outdoor living Auckland is renowned for," she says. "Re-establishing an area of dry sand at high-tide is also an important step in ensuring the sustainability of the sea walls at these beaches."

The upgrades are planned for autumn 2008, with all projects taking approximately six weeks to complete - apart from Pt Chevalier Beach, due to be completed in October, 2008. Public consultation on the proposed replenishment projects opens on Monday, 3 September and runs until Friday, 21 September 2007.