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What’s going on around the Estuary?
In 15 years, the appearance of land around the Avon-Heathcote Estuary could be very different from the landscape we see today. If current plans go ahead, the area will be transformed to include natural environments and open spaces that will enrich the ecological, recreational and heritage landscapes of the area, creating a precious environmental asset for the City. There are two key projects currently being undertaken in the area, namely the "Estuary Green-Edge" and a Non-statutory Management Strategy for the overall Estuary area which aim to achieve this.
The Estuary ‘Green-Edge’ development project has come about through the City Council’s 15-year wastewater treatment programme. As well as seeing a dramatic improvement in the quality of wastewater being discharged into the Estuary (to bathing quality), the programme sets aside a substantial budget to develop the adjoining land area as a recreational and wildlife corridor and to experiment with the natural treatment of wastewater in engineered wetlands. Linwood Paddocks, Bexley Reserve and the oxidation ponds are the core areas to be developed that will also provide linkages with other key areas on the eastern part of the City like Bexley and Charlesworth Wetlands and the Heathcote Valley. Investigation and preparation of the plan is to be completed by September 2001. The long-term work plan is to be implemented over the next 15 years with work scheduled to begin in 2005. The programme has been included in the indicative capital works programme at a cost of $14 million with ongoing maintenance costs of $300,000. This exciting project is already stirring up international interest and the plans will be a key focus at the International Ecological Engineering Conference in Christchurch in November.
The non-statutory management strategy is being developed by the Council in conjunction with Environment Canterbury and will set up the framework for addressing Estuary related issues such as access and illegal structures, water quality, sedimentation and erosion. It is in its early stages of development with a community forum to be held on the 9th June to identify the main issues and discuss possible options for solving them. To register your interest in attending this forum, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page by no later than 31st May 2001.
Alongside these projects two other significant processes are also happening. Decisions on submissions to Environment Canterbury’s Proposed Regional Coastal Environment Plan are due out soon. From there ECan has to deal with any appeals that may be made before the Minister of Conservation gives final approval for the Plan. The Christchurch City Council has also recently lodged its resource consents to continue discharging improved wastewater into the Estuary because its previous consents expire this year.
All of these plans and processes seek to protect and enhance the estuarine environment in recognition of its many values for people and the wildlife of the area. Most of the plans are in their very early stages with community views and aspirations now being sought to ensure that they are incorporated into the proposals.
Process has begun to obtain the necessary consents needed to upgrade the current facility to fit with today’s modern high environmental expectations. This includes:
- Completion of the present $33 million capacity upgrade
- Modifications to oxidation ponds to further improve the kill of pathogens.
- Installation of new UV disinfection equipment after the ponds to achieve water of bathing quality before discharge
- Continuing to discharge to the Estuary for a further 15 years
- Implementation of a monitoring and research programme
- Preparation of a comprehensive long-term wastewater management plan, covering not just treatment processes but also a range of waste reduction and education measures and reticulation improvements.
- Development of a sea-lettuce management strategy.
Green Edge plans for this site include habitat creation and enhancement of the paddocks including the re-establishment of saline and brackish ecosystems, establishment of coastal forest where possible and the enhancement of roosting and breeding sites in key ecological areas (e.g. Sandy Point). A significant area of open paddock grassland will be retained as habitat for Pukeko. Recreation and education facilities will also be developed including bird hides, interpretation material, cycleways and picnic areas. A substantial area will be developed for the experimental natural treatment of wastewater through engineered wetlands.
| 3 Charlesworth Wetland/Te Poho Areare | Map |
Plans are presently underway to restore and extend the existing wetland vegetation of this area, create islands and additional saline pools for waterfowl, wading and nesting birds and the incorporation of cycle and pedestrian routes through the reserve. This will make the area appear more natural and function as a buffer between the industrial and residential areas and the Estuary and will contribute to the creation of an ecologically important site for Christchurch’s estuarine flora and fauna.
Green-Edge plans include the re-configuration and restoration of the ponds and surrounding area to a more natural looking environment featuring wetland vegetation, retention and enhancement of islands as a vital breeding habitat, naturalisation of the pond margins and Estuary shoreline. Pedestrian and cycleways will promote passive recreation through the area to enjoy the wildlife and scenic values of the area and provide movement linkages with other areas of the Green Edge particularly Linwood Paddocks and Bexley Reserve.
This sub-project within the Estuary Green Edge will maintain a recreation and open space focus with the development of an attractive recreation reserve which would play an important role in the transition between the City’s suburban edge and the more natural areas associated with the Te Huingi Manu Wildlife Reserve and Estuary. Potential recreational uses for this area are currently being investigated by the City Council in consultation with interested groups and individuals.
A draft development plan has been produced which involves restoration and protection of this important site and will identify management priorities and timeframes for implementation. Plans include the cleaning up of contaminated sites, protection, restoration and enhancement of plant and aquatic communities and soils throughout the wetland and increasing the extent of existing habitats. Safe pathways linking adjacent residential areas while minimizing disturbance to wildlife will be established and recreational facilities established to enhance visitor experiences, such as interpretation material, viewing platforms and educational programmes.
| 7 Southshore Spit Development Plan | Map |
The Parks Unit, has produced a development plan for the undeveloped dune area south of the houses at the Spit tip. The plan advocates the establishment of a scenic reserve on the spit to minimise disturbance to wildlife, reduce the effects of human induced erosion and to rehabilitate the Spit through weed and pest control and revegetation of native species. This is supported by plans to address the threat of fire risk and damage and a monitoring programme established to identify sand movement, vegetation and bird disturbance and to monitor pest and weed control programmes.
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