Restoration is Feasible and Affordable

TOES is collecting names for a petition that supports Transit's option 1 proposal. Read on to learn more about Option 1.

Excerpt from the "Onehunga Foreshore Restoration and Westward Shift of State Highway 20: Feasibility Report" commissioned by Transit and completed January 2008

Restoration of the Onehunga foreshore is technically feasible. A proposal has been developed that includes creation of four sandy beaches bounded by rocky headlands. The resulting reclamation area measures approximately 11 hectares, requiring deposition of approximately deposition of some 335,000 m³ of material, including cement stabilised marine dredging, hydraulic fill and beach sand. The physical works are estimated to cost approximately $33.1M. The final cost will depend on cost rates for key items including reclamation fill and imported sand. Savings of around $10M to $15M may be realisable depending on timing and availability of key materials.

The proposal also includes an all tide boat ramp located near the Port of Auckland. This has been based on the previous design prepared by Tonkin and Taylor Limited on behalf of the Manukau All Tide Ramp Trust. The required reclamation area measures approximately 0.8 hectares, requiring deposition of approximately 8,000 m³ of cement stabilised marine dredging. The physical works for the boat ramp are estimated to cost $8.7M, excluding relocation of the Manukau Cruising Club building from Orpheus Drive.

A preliminary assessment of environmental effects indicates that the effects of construction and operation of these works are likely to be no more than minor. In some instances, the works are considered to provided a net benefit to the community. Notwithstanding this assessment, it is considered that the statutory planning process in support of the proposed works would be difficult, given the size and extent of effects, and in particular, the number of activities requiring a coastal permit.