The restoration of a wooden groyne was argued by Dunedin City Councilor Jules Radich as a tried-and-true way to build up the beach by trapping sand, but colleagues were unconvinced.
The council voted 7-5 against his notification of motion today at a meeting of Dunedin City Council. CR Sophie Barker abstained.
Cr Radich had insisted on a five-year trial for a repaired crib.
Cr Steve Walker was particularly scornful, saying that material provided by Cr Radich “reads like a schoolboy project”.
There were ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures taken, which seemed to show the difference that cribs had made in the past, and this reminded Cr Walker of nighttime television.
In February, the council approved a plan outlining broad approaches to managing the coastline from St Clair to St Kilda.
The vision was to enhance the natural environment, make it resilient to coastal hazards and future sea level rise, and to provide access and recreational opportunities for future generations.
Cr Walker said the council should avoid ad hoc decision-making and hasty reactions.
Cr Carmen Houlahan said Cr Walker’s comment was “one of the rudest speeches I’ve ever heard in this room”.
Cr Radich said the recovery of the groyne would be a cheap experiment and the public wanted it to happen.
Deputy Major Christine Garey was wary of potential effects ranging from hindering people walking along the beach to influencing the surf break.
Cr Jim O’Malley doubted the experiment could be run cheaply, but he supported a trial.
Cr Rachel Elder said experts seemed divided and she supported an experimental approach.
“We’ll find out which experts are right.”
Cr Chris Staynes questioned the usefulness of the proposed trial in supporting shoreline management.
“Introducing one crib won’t tell us much.”
Cr David Benson-Pope said expert advice had been unequivocal and if councilors ignored it and backed the breakwater, it raised questions about their judgment.
The motion: that the council restore the St Clair groyne on a five-year trial basis
Front (5): Jules Radich, Andrew Whiley, Rachel Elder, Jim O’Malley, Carmen Houlahan.
Against (7): Aaron Hawkins, Steve Walker, Christine Garey, Marie Laufiso, Chris Staynes, David Benson-Pope, Mike Lord.
Abstinence (1): Sophie Barker