Port Otago and the Te Rauone Beach Coast Care committee have worked together for the past 10 years towards restoring and developing the beach.
Port Otago will build three rock groynes to help stabilise the beach for the community, while the Dunedin City Council will upgrade the Te Rauone Beach Reserve.
A resource consent application for the Beca-engineered rock groynes and sand re-nourishment attracted 365 submissions — two against, one neutral and 362 in favour.
A public hearing was held on December 15 and consent was granted two days later.
The appeal period passed with no objections.
Te Rauone Beach Coast Care committee member Des Smith was thrilled with the outcome of the hearing, particularly on behalf of chairman Graeme Burns and the hard working committee.
He was looking forwards 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 on to the beach," he said.
"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 said 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," he said.
"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."
