Stop the sand thieves!

23 January 2004

Sand is being regularly taken from Eastern Beach in Pakuranga by a number of people, which is worsening sand loss from the popular beach.

Local people have raised concerns with the ARC that they often see people pulling up to Eastern Beach and taking away sand.

“It is against Auckland Regional Council regulations to take sand, even small amounts, from beaches,” said ARC Councillor Bill Burrill.

“There is a limited amount of sand on many of our beaches and Eastern Beach in particular is one of the most popular beaches in Manukau. It’s not fair on everyone else who uses the beach to take away a community resource for personal use.”

Cr Burrill says people might not realise that sand is a limited resource and in fact at the moment Eastern Beach is depleted of sand to the extent that Manukau City Council is planning to replenish the sand on the beach. “The cost of bringing more sand to the beach could cost the community $700,000. People who remove sand from the beach are making the situation worse,” said Cr Burrill.

“Various types of sand can be bought for reasonable prices from building supply outlets and garden centres. If you want sand, I suggest you get it from these places,” said Cr Burrill.

“It’s a general concern – the ARC receives complaints relating to beaches around the Auckland region from time to time.”

If you see someone removing sand, take down their number plate and report it to the ARC, phone 366 2000. Taking of sand from beaches contravenes rules in the ARC’s Regional Coastal Plan.

ENDS

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