Work to dredge the lower Heathcote is continuing along Stage 2, following the completion of Stage 1 in February this year.  Works will soon start, four days per week, without the use of in-river controls such as sediment curtains, to reduce the duration of work and overall impacts on migrating fish. Design and planning for Stages 3 and 4 is well progressed for works late 2019 and through 2020.

We are approximately half way through sediment removal for this part of the river. We will continue work in the river with the amphibious excavator, and long-reach from the bank, for a further two months. A barge may be used at times in areas that are difficult to access.
In September, bank landscaping will start with low, native shrubs and trees (see sketch below), to replace those removed due to poor health. About one third will be planted this year and the remainder in future years, to spread the impact on river wildlife.

You can check out these plans online at ccc.govt.nz/floodmitigation or at the drop in session outlined below.

Stage 3 is between Opawa Road and Beckford Road and Stage 4 between Beckford and Wilsons Road.

Work in these areas will mainly be sediment removal, localised bank regrading and stabilisation, and replanting. In some locations we plan to remove a small number of trees, to allow bank regrading and river widening. Trees that are in poor condition may also be removed at the same time. Replacement trees will then be included in future landscaping.

The Heathcote Linear Park Master Plan, provides a guide for most of the replanting and landscape works, which will start after dredging is completed. We will work with river care groups and local schools to involve the community in this part of the project.

Come and talk to the team about our dredging work and landscaping plans.

We'll be at Opawa Community Church, Corner Opawa and Aynsley Terrace, on Tuesday 3 September 2019, anytime between 4pm and 6pm.