Media release

Tree obstructing Hawea River at Horseshoe Bend

Sunday 7 January 2024

Updated 8 Jan 2024: The fallen tree obstructing part of the Hawea River by Horseshoe Bend has now been removed. Engineering Manager Michelle Mifflin says ORC assisted the landowner with removal of the tree as soon as possible after it was reported on Sunday as it posed a potential hazard to water users. The tree was removed on Monday after Contact Energy reduced flow into the river so that branches could be removed safely. While this hazard has been removed, water users and boaties should be aware that trees or objects can sometimes obstruct waterways and present a hazard.

A fallen tree is obstructing part of the Hawea River by Horseshoe Bend, on the outside bend, it will be removed in the next few days.

Engineering Manager Michelle Mifflin says ORC will be assisting with the removal of the tree as soon as possible as it poses a potential hazard to water users. The tree can be safely removed when the river flow is reduced. We are communicating with Contact Energy to do this as soon as possible and it is expected the tree will be removed in the next few days.

In the meantime, water users in this area should take care and be aware of this hazard.