Beach sand replenishment projects

Introduction | Proposed works | Benefits | Schedule | Community volunteer day

Introduction

As part of the $7.74 million Isthmus Beach Replenishment Programme, which aims to reduce coastal erosion while improving recreational open spaces and access at several city beaches, Auckland City Council is carrying out restoration projects for six western beaches.

The following five beaches have now been completed:

Blockhouse Bay Beach
Hamilton Beach
Sentinel Beach
Herne Bay Beach
Taylors Reserve Beach.

Work on Pt Chevalier Beach is due to begin on Monday, 25 August (weather dependent) and completion is expected by December 2008.

Over time, wave erosion has resulted in the loss of sand from these beaches. This has reduced the beach levels and important recreational amenities have been lost. It also means the existing sea walls are unprotected during high tide.

See also Western Bays beach reserve upgrades for information about four local beach reserves being upgraded in conjunction with these beach replenishment projects.

Proposed works

Pt Chevalier Beach

The sand replenishment project at Pt Chevalier Beach proposes pumping 16,000m³ of sand onto the beach from a barge moored offshore.

The sand will be delivered in stages so that no more than two thirds of the beach will be closed to the public at any one time.

Blockhouse Bay Beach

The Blockhouse Bay Beach sand replenishment project saw 900m³ of sand imported to the beach by road.

Hamilton Beach

The sand replenishment project for Hamilton Beach involved 900m³ of sand being delivered to the beach by shallow draft barges, unloaded and places by excavator. A 20-metre long timber groyne was also be constructed at the eastern end of the beach to reduce further sand loss.

Sentinel Beach

The works at Sentinel Beach involved replenishing the beach with 1200m³ of sand, which was delivered to the beach by shallow draft barges, unloaded and placed by bulldozer.

Herne Bay Beach

The Herne Bay Beach sand replenishment project involved importing 1500m³ of sand and delivering it to the beach by shallow draft barges, unloading and placing it by excavator.

Taylors Reserve Beach

The sand replenishment project at Taylors Reserve Beach saw 1200m³ of sand being delivered to the beach by road and the outfall pipes extended to divert stormwater away from the beach.

Benefits

Once completed, the replenished beaches will offer a number of benefits, including:

increased space for recreational activities at high tide
all tide access across dry sand beaches
protection for the existing sea walls.

Schedule

The works have been scheduled to avoid disruption in the peak summer period.

Works at Pt Chevalier Beach will commence on Monday, 25 August 2008 (weather dependent) and are expected to be completed in December 2008.

Works for all other beaches are now complete.

Based on experience from other projects, significant noise is unlikely to be an issue to residents during construction. However, works have been scheduled during daytime hours only to minimize any potential effects.

Community volunteer day

The council is holding a community volunteer day for local people interested in the Pt Chevalier project to help clean up the Pacific oyster shells along the beach. This will be held on Sunday, 31 August from 10.30am and 3.30pm. Contact us if you require more information.

Updated August 2008