More woody debris on Gisborne beaches after stormy weather

More woody debris is piling up on city beaches, some of it quite sizeable, as a result of the week's southerly storm. Council contractors will be removing the bigger material before Christmas, but the beaches will not be finely groomed until the New Year. Photo / Murray Robertson

The wet and stormy weather this week has resulted in a significant increase in woody debris washing up on Waikanae and Midway beaches.

Gisborne District Council has prioritised the removal of large woody debris that could pose a risk to the community from Waikanae to Midway.

“Work commenced yesterday and will continue up until Christmas Day,” woody debris programme manager Rod Sheridan said.

“This work is a priority but will need to be conducted as the weather and tidal conditions allow.”

Following the removal of large debris, smaller woody debris will be cleared from Waikanae to 100 metres past Grey St and 50-100m either side of the Midway Surf Rescue Community Hub.

“At this time, a fine groom is not possible, so the community will notice that fine woody debris will remain. Work to address any small and fine debris that remains following December 24 will be considered in the New Year,” Sheridan said.

Signs have been put up at beaches to warn people of the danger of woody debris as another beach clean-up gets done. Photo / Murray Robertson

“With the large crowds flocking to Gisborne between Christmas and New Year, it is too dangerous to continue work during this period.

“To ensure the safety of yourself and your whānau, please do not walk or play on the woody debris. When work to remove the debris commences, please keep clear of the worksite and be cautious as machinery moves up and down the beach.”

It was disheartening to see the amount of debris on the beach, he said.

“Our team and contractors worked hard to have our beaches looking great for the summer season, and it’s a shame to have this work undone so close to the Christmas and New Year period.”

There was no emergency discharge of wastewater (sewage) into the city river system as a result of the storm, the council said in a release on Friday.

“No wastewater scours or overflows have been opened during this week’s wet weather event. The network coped with the flows.”