Council lists alternatives for road’s future

One of two massive gulches opened up in Beach Rd, north of the Awamoa Rd junction. PHOTO:...
One of two massive gulches opened up in Beach Rd, north of the Awamoa Rd junction. PHOTO: SUPPLIED/BERNARD MANANGKIL
The Waitaki District Council is facing increasing pressure from ratepayers over the future of Beach Rd, as the cost of Project Reclaim, a major cleanup of the area, has escalated to $18.3 million - well beyond the initial $15 million budget.

The road remains closed indefinitely after the removal of about 19,000 tonnes of waste between August and November last year, leaving large, hazardous gulches.

While the council had initially considered permanently closing the road, elected officials decided to seek public input before making a final decision.

However, it has since emerged that the council missed an opportunity to secure part of a $6 million government fund for contaminated sites, awarded to four other South Island councils earlier last year.

The funding could have potentially helped cover some of the rising costs of cleaning up and restoring Beach Rd.

Council assets manager Joshua Rendell and Mayor Gary Kircher revealed this oversight during a livestreamed community engagement session, where they addressed concerns about the cleanup’s mounting costs.

"Initially, we weren’t aware that funding was available from the government or the Ministry for the Environment," Mr Kircher said.

Mr Rendell said he could not provide full details on the contents of the Beach Rd dump, acknowledging that much of the material was contaminated.

The increased cost now includes unresolved waste management and emissions trading scheme (ETS) levies, adding about $5 million to the project.

In light of the escalating costs, the council has proposed several options for the road under the 2025-34 Long Term Plan.

One preferred option is to realign the road around the holes left by the cleanup and install coastal rock armouring for protection, at an estimated cost of $12.65 million over 30 years.

Another option involves closing most of Beach Rd near Gardiners Rd and building a shared walking and cycling path, at a more modest cost of $50,000.

A third alternative includes realigning the Awamoa Rd intersection and closing part of the road between the golf course and Awamoa Rd, which would cost an estimated $353,000, with an additional $3.84 million for coastal rock protection.

Despite the large financial burden, the council emphasised that the road’s long-term protection was a matter of public interest.

"It’s important enough for us to ask the community, what is the cost of protection into the future?" Mr Kircher said.

Mr Kircher defended efforts to engage with landowners and the public, noting the initial meeting with landowners took place in late winter, and another meeting was planned.

Council staff also highlighted the installation of locked gates in November had been a temporary measure to manage traffic and ensure safety, not an indication of a permanent closure.

The council’s next steps will depend heavily on the public’s response to the proposed options, and a decision is expected in the coming weeks.

Feedback on the proposed options for Beach Rd’s future will be accepted as part of the consultation process for the Long Term Plan.

brendon.mcmahon@odt.co.nz