Upcoming remediation works for Kettle Park

Dunedin City Council Coastal Specialist Dr Raphael Krier-Mariani says a 2.8m-high erosion scarp has formed approximately 4m from the dune toe in front of the Kettle Park Coastal Landfill.

Previous investigations have identified buried contaminated material as close as 4m from the dune face, highlighting the increasing risk of contaminant exposure.

An aerial drone survey of St Clair to Lawyers Head Beaches was commissioned to assess the extent of the sediment loss and determine the placement of the geobags.

In response, temporary geobag structures will be installed to stabilise the dune system in front of Kettle Park and reduce the risk of contaminated material being discharged into the marine environment, Dr Krier-Mariani says.

The works will involve extending the existing geobag structure approximately 150m eastward with fourteen 20m-long bags and will be undertaken as emergency works due to the extent of recent erosion and the increased vulnerability of the landfill to further erosion during next winter’s storms, he says.

Geobags were last placed at Kettle Park landfill two years ago to stabilise the most exposed areas of the landfill. This current work will address previously unprotected areas of the landfill, ensuring protection from weather in 2027. Geobags are a temporary solution as they can have detrimental effects over long periods and are being used while long-term remediation planning develops.

The works are estimated to cost approximately $750,000 and are scheduled to start during the first week of November, weather permitting. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of December, depending on potential weather-related delays or stand-down periods. Public access to the beach will be managed during this period to ensure safety (see map below).

Long-term remediation options for Kettle Park will be presented to Council in the next few months, alongside the broader coastal management strategy for Saint Clair–Saint Kilda.

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