River walkway projects

Public asked to take care around Whanganui and Ongarue River management works

The Horizons Whanganui River Management Scheme has a number of up-coming works that will impact on public access alongside the Ongarue and Whanganui River Walkways and Cherry Grove.

Work is currently underway on the removal of Poplar Trees by the Lines Company Depot on River Rd will require access across the Ongarue River Walkway and will mean this section of the track will need to be closed at this time (14-15 Feb).

Scheduled for next week (Thursday 23 to Tuesday 28 February) work will start on the removal of the remaining Poplar Trees between the Cherry Trees and the Whanganui River along the access road down to the boat ramp at Cherry Grove.

Ruapehu District Council Team Leader Property Rebecca Van Orden said that the work area will be roped off during this period and Cherry Grove users are asked to take particular care and stay well away from site where large machinery will be operating.

The work undertaken by Horizons as part of the scheme has already made a big difference to access and views of the Ongarue and Whanganui Rivers, she said.

The recent township discussions on the Taumarunui Revitalisation Concept Plans highlighted that Taumarunui residents see Cherry Grove as a jewel in the crown' with high recreational, environmental and cultural values.

People are very keen to see the area maintained and enhanced and this work along with Council's River Walkway project are part of improving public access and enjoyment of the area.

The Taumarunui-Ohura Ward Committee (TOWC) will be considering a proposal to replant along the cleared area by the Whanganui River with Cherry Tress (Prunus Lusitanica) and other ornamental trees towards the southern end at their meeting on 23 February.

Other up-coming work is the removal of Willows and Poplars at the Taumarunui northern entrance that may see the Willows replaced by Ginkgo Trees.

The timing of this work will be dependent on available funding.

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