There were 747 survey forms completed, and ES chairman Nicol Horrell said the large number of opinions gave councillors a ‘‘good steer for their discussions’’.
‘‘I think the number also reflects how important this topic is to the community.”
He said doing nothing was not an option and ES was required to protect the species, and councillors were proactively looking at solutions to make it happen.
The options presented to protect toheroa on Oreti Beach ranged from full vehicle exclusion to partial restrictions.
Alternative solutions to the four proposed options were also submitted; these included allowing only seasonal vehicle access to the beach, fencing off an area and possibly adding concrete barriers. A lot of comments acknowledged that some compromise was going to be needed that gives toheroa protection while still allowing vehicles access to the beach.
Other ideas included an expansion on the existing car park, adding amenities to the car park and new trails, and allowing for access for the disabled and elderly by installing walkways or ramps to ensure they can still use the beach.
ES staff will collate the feedback and prepare a report that will be presented to the councillors and Te Ao Marama Inc board members in April.
It will include analysis of the survey options, as well as other options presented by the community. They will discuss the feedback received and consider a preferred option — staff will then include this when drafting the rules in the new Southland Coastal Plan.
A formal consultation period for the new Southland Coastal Plan will be undertaken next year.
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Comments
Why do they need access to drive on the beach? Simply historical doesn't mean they should be allowed on there! It should be the same as all other beaches nationwide, unless people are providing access for life saving, disabled beach patrons or launching/retrieving boats then that should be it.