Marahau beach restoration finished in time for summer

December 22nd, 2015
[TDC press release]

Sand replenishment work has restored pedestrian access to the beach at the northern end of Marahau in time for the busy Christmas period.

Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne said coastal erosion had driven the beach back beyond the end of the existing revetment, eroding a section of the footpath and access to the beach.

Rock placed along the bank to the north of the revetment wall had become destabilised through ongoing coastal erosion, posing a health and safety risk.

The work involving repositioning the rock and replenishing about 400 cubic metres of sand. The sand was taken from a sand bar on the intertidal area east of the boat ramp to top up the area north of the end of the existing rock revetment wall.

The rock revetment provides protection to the coastal road and a higher level of protection to the beach. (See photo below.)

Mr Kempthorne said beach users were asked to be mindful of the special and fragile nature of the beach area, by using designated access points. Vehicles and boats are not allowed on the beach, and boaties must use the boat ramp to launch.

"Access to the beach at the beginning of the Abel Tasman National Park is an important asset for visitors and locals and to have it protected is testament to the work of the contractors, Council engineers and the landowners, Wakatu Incorporation," Mr Kempthorne said.

"With a common understanding and appreciation of the value of the area everyone involved mucked in and got the job done ahead of schedule."

The work is a temporary solution to protect the beach and road until the Council works through a longer-term solution with Wakatu Incorporation next year.

"We are very appreciative of the landowners' understanding and support for this project. Wakatu's support means this fabulous area can be enjoyed by the many visitors over summer," Mr Kempthorne said.

Pakawau North and Parapara South residents and visitors should also notice improvements to the beach profile and storm buffers in those areas, with sand push-ups completed last week.

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