Island’s Coastal Defence Plans Under Microscope

By McKNIGHT Sam

THE Southland District Council’s plans to bolster Stewart Island’s sea defences came under the microscope yesterday at an Environment Southland consents committee hearing.

The Southland District Council applied for consent to erect sea walls at Halfmoon Bay, Horseshoe Bay and Lonnekers Beach with the view to protect road access around Stewart Island.

The application says, the roading infrastructure faced the threat of erosion “from time to time” as waves hit the coastline.

Headed by MWH environmental engineer Simon Beale, the Southland District Council suggested the new coastal protection would disperse the energy of the waves striking the shore, lessening the impact of erosion.

Seven submission were received from interested parties, only one in opposition from the Department of Conservation.

However, that submission was withdrawn after Environment Southland’s conditions imposed on the application satisfied DOC’s concerns.

Environment Southland has reserved its decision on the application for 15 working days.

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