Development and implementation of a coastal plan

Key challenges we are facing in the coastal area include erosion, significant natural sand movement and ecological degradation.

The impact of climate change will cause additional erosion, particularly at Mowhanau Beach. Sand movement is adding maintenance pressure to public beach access – particularly during windy seasons. There are also valuable native flora and fauna that require protection and restoration. We anticipate these coastal challenges to increase over time.

We have sought technical advice regarding our options for coastal management. Coastal planning work will allow us to understand these options and help us to prioritise our response. This work will ultimately improve the community's experience of our coastal area and provide a more sustainable, longer-term solution to some of the key challenges in this dynamic and valued environment. Implementation work will primarily focus on council-managed lands.

Detailed information on options for the funding and implementation of a coastal plan can be found in the consultation document(PDF, 14MB).

Summary of options and costs

Preferred option

Option 1 is our preferred option. Technical advice has been received and is also pending regarding how we can improve the Whanganui coastal environment. Prioritisation of this work and the implementation phase will result in ecological and amenity improvements in our highly valued coastal areas.