Key Takeaways
- Ferry Bridge in Marlborough will be closed until June 2027 due to flood repair works, making it unsafe for swimming.
- The closure is necessary for the safety of the public and to allow for the progression of important flood control work.
- The popular Whites Bay beach is also closed due to significant flood damage, with no access to the beach until further notice.
- The Marlborough District Council and the Department of Conservation (DOC) are working to repair and restore the affected areas, but it may take time.
- The council encourages regular users of the river and the wider public to explore new places, as there are plenty of rivers and seaside destinations in Marlborough.
Introduction to the Closure of Ferry Bridge
The Marlborough District Council has announced that Ferry Bridge, a popular swimming spot in Marlborough, will be closed this summer due to flood repair works. The closure, which is expected to last until June 2027, is necessary to allow for the progression of important flood control work. According to Council’s infrastructure and services manager, Richard Coningham, the closure is not a decision taken lightly, but it is essential for the safety of the public. With large machinery operating on both sides of the Wairau River, disturbing the river’s silt, it has been judged too hazardous for swimming.
The Reason Behind the Closure
The closure of Ferry Bridge is primarily due to the need for stopbank repairs, which are crucial for the protection of the Spring Creek community. Coningham explained that the council apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the closure, but it is necessary to ensure the safety of the public. He also mentioned that if the opportunity to temporarily open Ferry Bridge for swimmers presents itself, they would take it, but he couldn’t make any promises. The council is aware of the popularity of the area and is encouraging regular users of the river and the wider public to explore new places.
The Closure of Whites Bay Beach
In addition to the closure of Ferry Bridge, the popular Whites Bay beach is also closed due to significant flood damage. The Department of Conservation (DOC) closed its Whites Bay campsite in July, asking visitors to "stay clear". According to DOC operations manager, Stacey Wrenn, the remediation work is complex and will take time to ensure the site is safe for visitors. The DOC is working hard to get the site restored and reopened as soon as possible, but it may take time. The campsite is expected to be closed over the Christmas and New Year period, and the DOC website will provide updates on the timeframe for reopening.
Alternative Swimming Spots
Although Ferry Bridge and Whites Bay beach are closed, there are still plenty of rivers and seaside destinations in Marlborough that are suitable for swimming. The council currently monitors water quality at nine beaches and 10 rivers as recreational swimming spots, although not all of them have suitable water quality for swimming. The public can check the latest water quality test results on the Land, Air, Water Aotearoa website. The council encourages regular users of the river and the wider public to explore new places and take advantage of the many other swimming spots available in Marlborough.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the closure of Ferry Bridge and Whites Bay beach is necessary for the safety of the public and to allow for the progression of important flood control work. The Marlborough District Council and the DOC are working to repair and restore the affected areas, but it may take time. The public is encouraged to explore new places and take advantage of the many other swimming spots available in Marlborough. The council will provide updates on the timeframe for reopening the affected areas, and the public can stay informed through the DOC website and other local sources.