Whakatāne District Council will commence work tomorrow (Wednesday, 15 December) to lower the sand fuse on the western side of the Whakatāne River mouth (at the tip of the Ōpihi spit), to comply with Bay of Plenty Regional Council flood preparedness requirements.

During heavy rainfall events, the river must be able to break through the fuse between the spit and Turuturu Roimata (Statue Rock), so that floodwaters can drain away faster, reducing the likelihood of upriver flooding. This means the sand build-up at the fuse needs to be reduced occasionally.

Contractors have this morning delivered machinery to the end of Ohuirehe Road, Coastlands. Karakia will take place early tomorrow morning before the equipment is moved eastwards along the beach to reach the spit. The works are expected to be completed in 2-3 days.

Contractors will be working within the prohibited area of the spit. All care will be taken to achieve this work without causing harm to precious, endangered nesting shore birds.