Media release

11 September 2008

Plans for removing Kawakawa Bay landslip being finalised

Plans to remove a major landslip at Kawakawa Bay and reopen the road will be finalised within the next few days.

Manukau City Council officers told a community meeting held last night at Kawakawa Bay that it hoped the road will reopen within two to three weeks.

Manukau City Council Economic Director Rick Walden says the plans to reopen the road and start removing the landslip are now being finalised.

“We should be able to tell the community within the next few days what will be done and when. The council has been regularly updating the community on the landslip and will continue to do this.

“Every day the road remains closed it has an impact on the community. However safety has to be the number one priority and we can’t remove the landslip if there is any danger to workers or the public.

“The council would like to thank the Orere Point and Kawakawa Bay communities for their feedback at the meeting on the impact of the landslip.

“The community are frustrated of course, but understand that the council is doing all it can,” Mr Walden says.

The reopened road would initially only be single lane and controlled to ensure public safety. However work will continue to permanently remove the risk from the landslip and fully reopen the road along its current route.

Transport alternatives

Ferry:

The free ferry service will continue beyond next week and the Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) is helping Manukau City Council to provide it. Two weeks notice will be given if there is any change to this service.

Ferry sailings:

6.15am - Pine Harbour Marina to Kawakawa Bay Boating Club

7am - Kawakawa Boating Club to Pine Harbour Marina.

5.40pm (Mon – Thurs)/ 6.40pm (Friday) - Pine Harbour Marina to Kawakawa Bay Boating Club.

6.15pm (Mon – Thurs)/ 7.15pm (Friday) - Kawakawa Boating Club to Pine Harbour Marina.

Other transport alternatives in place are a walking track and four wheel drive shuttle service behind the landslip, two shoppers buses each week to Thames and Papakura, and school bus for Clevedon students temporarily attending to Orere School.

Regular updates and details of alternative transport options are available through the council call centre (phone 262 5104) and at www.manukau.govt.nz.

ENDS

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