The one-off funding for Kuratau will be used to carry out a full analysis of options for dealing with the erosion hazard, detailed design-work and consenting costs. Board chairman Don Ormsby says this will enable any physical works that may be needed to get underway as soon as possible
 
A recommendation that the work get underway immediately, prior to completion of a study into the erosion hazard around the entire lake foreshore, was taken to the Turangi/Tongariro Community Board this week.  The moves recognises the extent to which erosion is impacting on the beach reserve and the need to address the problem more urgently than the other high risk areas identified in the erosion study.  
 
Findings from the first phase of the wider Lake Taupo Shoreline Erosion Study looking at the likely causes and level of erosion risk around the lake, are due for public release in early December. The final report - including recommendations on possible land use controls and physical works to manage the erosion risk in future - is due for completion in March 2007. 
 
The erosion study and a similar flood hazard study are being carried out by Environment Waikato and Taupo District Council as part of development of an overarching Lake Taupo Foreshore Risk Management Strategy that will guide future planning decisions. 

To view more on the Lake Taupo Foreshore Risk Management Strategy click HERE.