North Mole update results in further decisions

Last week, Horizons Regional Councillors received an update on the North Mole upgrade works, as part of Te Pūwaha: the Whanganui Port revitalisation project.

Horizons group manager catchment operations Dr Jon Roygard says the North Mole is 75 per cent completed.
 
“Aspects of the mole rock wall still under construction include the two fishing platforms and stormwater outfalls alongside the awa,” he says.
 
“At the council meeting, council made some further decisions around the mole, including to allow for flood protection and a recreational area at Tregenna Street.
These elements are an addition to Horizons’ original design for the rock wall, following discussions with local residents, homeowners, community leaders and under the leadership of hapū representatives Te Mata Pūau.
 
“At the end of last year, concerns were raised by residents around the rock wall and the loss of river views. This led to a broader discussion around access to the river, amenity of the area and flood protection.”
 
Horizons flood modelling revealed that the depth of inundation predicted in a 100-year flood event would impact approximately 15 houses, some up to levels of on average 1.3-1.8 metres, if flood protection for the area was not completed alongside the river training structure upgrade.
 
Dr Roygard says together with community, Te Mata Pūau and Whanganui District Council representatives, council officers considered a range of solutions over a series of community meetings.
 
“On Tuesday, three possible options were put forward to Council, all of which improved amenities, enabled flood protection and enhanced the area as a community space.
 
“Council resolved to go ahead with building an embankment to the height of 4.1m, enabling 100 year level flood protection, plus extra height to account for climate change and an allowance for freeboard, for the area. The planned works include an embankment, improved amenities including a shared pedestrian and cycleway, increased grass area to the edge of the rock slope between the two fishing platforms, picnic tables, rubbish bins and restricted vehicle access.”
 
Both Whanganui based Horizons councillors Alan Taylor and David Cotton emphasised the importance of protecting our communities.
 
“While I acknowledge that amenity views of the awa will be lessened, if the recent devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle has taught us anything, it’s that we need to be as resilient as possible to climate change. It’s not a matter of if the river will rise to high levels, but when,” says councillor Alan Taylor.
 
Councillor David Cotton agreed and noted the need to balance outlooks with safety.
 
“While I realise that a pocket of residents voiced their concerns about losing views, the solution that we have agreed upon helps to offset that,” he says.
 
“What was once a somewhat neglected public space will receive a makeover, making it a safe place for families to fish and to connect with the awa, while also protecting residents and their homes from flooding.”
 
Dr Roygard says Horizons will meet with Tregenna Street residents on Tuesday to further discuss the construction plan. Te Mata Pūau will be there to support community. 
 
“The aim is to complete the remaining works over the coming months, noting some things like establishing grass may be completed in Spring.”
 
Meanwhile, Horizons councillors decided to continue delivery of project works under Te Pūwaha within the currently approved $16.4 million budget, with the short term priority being the completion of the North Mole works and consenting and procurement for the Tanae Groyne.
 
“The river training structure upstream of the Tanae Groyne (South Spit) has been reprioritised and further investigation, design and approval of these works is planned over the next year. The remainder of the budget is to be allocated to the South Mole,” says Dr Roygard.
  
“The strengthening of the South Spit erosion control structures has moved up in our focus due to their importance in maintaining river alignment and reducing the likelihood of the river breaching the Spit and outflanking the South Mole.
 
“Council agreed to a partial rebuild of the South Mole at an approximate height of 2.3 metres to enable future upgrades to build on the upgraded structure.
 
“Council has also directed officers to progress conversations with both Whanganui District and central government to see if other funding can be sourced for that aspect of the works as the primary purpose of the South Mole upgrade is to ensure a navigable depth is maintained for vessels accessing the port.
 
“Finally, it was acknowledged that the construction of the South Mole may require a further year.”

Image description: First fishing platform, downstream of Treganna.
Image credit: Kahurangi Simon.