A feasibility study is being done on the possible repair or replacement of the 35 year old Oamaru Bay boat ramp.

Last year repair work took place on the ramp due to erosion eating into its side, making it unsafe to use, but it now appears it was not enough due to the middle of the ramp collapsing.

Repair work on the right-hand side of the Oamaru Bay boat ramp last year was not enough to stop the middle of the ramp collapsing. Photo: TCDC

Thames area manager Greg Hampton says there is no way of telling with any certainty how far the void extends down the ramp without drilling inspection holes through the slab.

'There are sections of the ramp with cracks and separation of the slabs which is a significant health and safety issue."

But Greg adds: "If there is community support for the facility we may be able to justify the repairs or replacement of the ramp”

After being inspected by an engineer it was determined the ramp has the potential for the remaining sections to slump.

This is due to similar undermining and backfilling caused by the tides which are affecting the structures foundation.

The ramp had patch repairs carried out in August/September last year, but it wasn't enough to prevent the slump.

'We do have to ensure the ramp can become operationally sustainable and we will need to engage with the community to assess the level of support and options.”

Erosion at the Oamaru Bay boat ramp as seen last year. Photo: TCDC/File