The Whakatane boat ramp remains closed as a major clean up continues to repair infrastructure.
 
Bay of Plenty Regional Council Eastern Bay Harbour Master Brian Spake said the Whakatane Harbour has been severely damaged by recent flooding and a number of factors will cause delay in opening the boat ramp.
 
“The Whakatane bar is unworkable as there is uncertainty as to where the sand bar is lying and available water depths” says Mr Spake.
 
“All topmarks and lights have been lost from channel markers, and the large port hand channel marker has moved from its location outside of the Regional Council building to a stranded position on Morpeth rock, adjacent to the starboard mark which is partially submerged”.
 
“A temporary starboard topmark has been attached to the port marker, this is to be treated as starboard mark. This mark is secured to a two tonne block and 38mm chain and will require settled conditions before it can be relocated” Mr Spake said.
 
As debris continues to move through the river system, boaties are advised to take extreme caution.
 
For updated information, including river levels and rainfall, visit Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s website at www.envbop.govt.nz and click on the live monitoring link.