Getting the riverfront rehabilitated and protected as public land has been a issue for over 10 years, as subsidence, erosion and tree fall have been getting worse. Now, recent heavy rains have flooded the area, and the unfinished rehabilitation works have left the footpath unprepared to stand up to spring rains.

Securing a solid plan on the Riverfront has been a central plank of APMAG’s agenda since it began, all those years ago. Monitoring the ebb and flow of debate on who will fix it, who will own it and who will look after it has been a lively sport.

About 2 years ago, massive slumping and erosion plagued the banks, causing beautiful mature trees to fall into the river, and for the Council to solemnly swear to make the developer solemnly swear to repair the banks. Comprehensive reviews investigated the damage, the cause and the solution.

Recent rehabilitation works along the riverfront have been ongoing for over a year, with intermittent closures, barriers and tapes, clearing and fill. Progress has been sluggish and slow, with a focus on monitoring, and not managing.

Now spring rains has lead to strong currents and high water. The recent rehabilitation work was been insufficient and incomplete. Much of the limited works will now need to be re done.