Logging work on Valley Road is close to being finished with just one group of trees opposite Alexander Avenue left to fell.  

Whakatāne District Council community experience general manager Alexandra Pickles said depending on weather conditions and contractor availability, this work should take place this week.

“Final extraction, processing and loading out work is scheduled to take place next week,” she said.

Although site reinstatement work will be ongoing through April, Valley Road will be open to traffic during that stage.

A Black Hawk helicopter belonging to Whakatāne operator Kāhu has helped with extraction of logs over five days and Ms Pickles said the helicopter would be required for a further two to four days.

“Flying time has varied each day, between one and four hours.”

All slash was being managed in accordance with the National Environmental Standards for Commercial Forestry.

“Council staff are working closely with Bay of Plenty Regional Council, which manages compliance with the standards. Some slash will be left on-site on stable ground, some will be taken off-site and some will be chipped.

“We appreciate the patience and co-operation neighbours, road users and the wider community have shown during this project.”

Photo Stuart Cook