Metrowater and the environmental group STEPS, (The St Lukes Environmental Protection Society Inc) will be carrying out hand weeding on Saturday 15 November from 10am at the Alberton Ave end of the Roy Clements Walkway, beside Meola Creek.

Project Manager Caleb Clarke says the project has gone well. “We are pleased to be on schedule to finish the walkway. Part of the programme has included a tree planting programme, alongside the boardwalk. We have had three planting days so far, and the trees have grown fast - and so have the weeds.  We would appreciate help from the local community with this project, which should take around 2 – 3 hours. Small hand tools such as small forks or similar are ideal, also gloves.”

The walkway being developed in partnership with Auckland City Council and Watercare, and project managed by Metrowater, is a much welcomed interim measure, to address the effects of pollution from wastewater overflow during heavy rain.  A permanent solution which will involve a significant investment and a large work programme, is still 10 years away. In the meantime Metrowater are developing an optimised work project that includes Auckland City and Watercare, to make the final solution as economical as possible for the community.

“The tree planting programme is part of the Watercourse Management Plan (WMP) for this area,” says Mr Clarke. “There will be one more in 2009. We are fortunate STEPS are supporting and helping us develop the planting programme; and that they are leading the way in the regeneration of the wetland area at the far end of the boardwalk.

“We would like to thank the public for not using the access way during its construction, which will be completed in November.”

For more information about the project please visit STEPS website www.meolacreek.org.nz

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For more information please contact:

Wendy Geus
Communications Advisor
021 819 820