28 July 2012

Elements Cause Beach Erosion

A combination of high tides, storms, rain and natural coastal movement has caused significant erosion to Sunset Beach at Port Waikato.

Due to the recent deterioration of the sand dunes on the beach front, pedestrians can no longer access the beach from the public car park and are being advised by Waikato District Council to walk along the temporary, fenced walkway to the beach.

The viewing platform overlooking the beach has also been fenced off as the recent erosion has undermined the foundations of the wooden platform. The platform was dismantled yesterday and temporary fencing was erected below the watch tower.

Waikato District Council general manager Water & Facilities, Richard Bax, said for the public’s safety, temporary fencing had also been put around the dune face.

“Beach front erosion is part of the natural long term cycle of a beach, and sand dunes both retreat and advance over the years. This is a natural environmental process that can’t be controlled.

“We are currently working with Waikato Regional Council coastal scientists to identify the potential future erosion patterns of the beach.

“We will save all the wood from the original viewing platform, so once we better understand those patterns at Sunset Beach, we can, in the future, rebuild it .”

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