Improving Auckland’s coastal areas
Auckland’s coastal environment is set to be further enhanced thanks to a proposed $10 million coastal upgrade programme included in Auckland City Council’s draft 10 year plan.
Six coastal areas have been identified for upgrade work, including Judges Bay, the Blockhouse Bay to Onehunga Harbour Walkway, Herne Bay Reserve, Orakei Basin Walkway, Achilles Point and Pt England beach.
Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee chairperson, Councillor Greg Moyle, says these projects will build on the success of the council’s recent beach resanding projects in the western and eastern bays.
“By continuing to improve Auckland’s open spaces and improve access to the coast, the council is taking steps to make sure that our unique coastal environment can be enjoyed by the local community and visitors to Auckland for generations to come,”
says Mr Moyle.
Improvements to Judges Bay will include the delivery of an all-tide beach and a boardwalk connecting to the Tamaki Drive footbridge.
The bay will also be dredged, and improvements made to stormwater management.
A continuous walkway will be established around the Orakei Basin, creating pedestrian and cycle connections.
The existing track between Blockhouse Bay and Onehunga will be realigned to follow the contours of the land, and repair work will be undertaken on track structures and signs.
Herne Bay Reserve will undergo landscaping improvements including replanting, paving, new furniture and the rebuilding of the large retaining wall at the end of the reserve.
Work will take place at Achilles Point to reflect the importance of the HMNZS Achilles memorial, and improve public safety by allowing the reserve to be closed at night.
Approximately 5,000m3 of sand will be pumped into Pt England beach, and construction work will be started on a 40m headland groyne structure to improve beach stability. The stormwater outfall at the northern end of the beach will also be extended to reduce future sand erosion.
These upgrades will protect and enhance the unique features of Auckland’s valued coastal environment
The council’s draft 10 year plan will be released for a month-long public consultation on 17 April.
