Golfers seek access, through a wetland

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, local democracy reporter

Amberley golfers hope to secure access to their golf course - through a wetland.

The Hurunui District Council will investigate extending Griersons Ave through the narrowest part of the wetland in a bid to secure access to the Amberley Beach Golf Club course, mahinga kai areas in the Waimaiaia Reserve, and the Waipara River mouth.

The decision follows a deputation from golf club president Bruce Yates and club member Paul Wylie to Tuesday’s council meeting, which was support by more than 50 club members.

The new road would replace the southern end of Golf Links Rd, which has come under threat from coastal erosion.

Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said constructing a road through a wetland was unlikely to be consented by Environment Canterbury and he proposed an alternative, linking Webbs and Hursley Terrace roads with Golf Links Rd from the northern end.

But Wylie believed it was possible to gain a consent.

"The club has always been of the opinion that this staff claim has been overblown out of all proportion.

"We are firmly of the view that the same difficulties apply to the staff’s preferred option."

He said a recent site visit by an Environment Canterbury ecologist suggested it might be feasible to construct "a relatively simple culvert" to satisfy any ecological concerns.

The Griersons Ave option would also secure access to the golf club’s clubhouse, given the risk of further coastal erosion to Golf Links Rd.

Under the staff proposal, the council could establish a car park to the north, allowing golfers to access the course by car, but not the clubhouse, in the event of Golf Links Rd being lost to the sea.

Either option was likely to secure access to the golf course for up to 30 years.

But there may be no long term option given the threat of sea level rise.

Wylie said the golf club was in favour of the council’s managed retreat approach.

"No-one knows exactly just how climate change will affect the area over the next 10, 35 or 100 years," he said.

"It is very clear that the lesser cost Griersons Ave option must have a significantly longer life."

Councillors instructed staff to conduct a detailed assessment of the Griersons Ave option and to engage with relevant stakeholders, including the golf club, land owners and Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri Rūnanga.

Mayor Marie Black said the council was committed to ensuring reliable access to the area.

"As a district, we take pride in offering quality recreational options for golfers, fishing enthusiasts, foragers, beach walkers and many more who enjoy this area."

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