The Thames-Coromandel District Council is seeking public feedback on a development plan for the Mary Beach wharf and boat ramp in Tairua.

The project seeks to improve trailer boat launching facilities, cater for larger recreational boats, commercial fishing and charter operators, plus help further Tairua's economic development.

A key user group, established to work through the issues and opportunities around the existing wharf and boat ramp, have created a draft concept plan which they are now seeking feedback on.

Tairua-Pauanui Community Board chair Bob Renton says they understand and appreciate a lot of historical work already been done on the boat ramp and wharf.

'There is budget in our Long Term Plan assured to the project so we need to get it off the ground, it's now up to the community and ratepayers to make decisions for today.”

Originally built in the 1860s, the wharf has been rebuilt four times with the most recent upgrade taking place in 1963.

A variety of options over the years have been considered to replace or upgrade the wharf, but were rejected due to costs. But it now has about three to six more years before significant maintenance is required to ensure the structure meets health and safety requirements.

The Thames-Coromandel council says given the age of the wharf, plus limited engineering information and associated unknown risks this raised, a rebuild was considered the most appropriate option.

Both concrete and timber construction options for the wharf were considered, but the concrete option was considered too expensive.

'We would like to rebuild the wharf in the same location, in wood and to make it wider (4m) so that vehicles can drive on to load boats,” says council.

'As part of this wharf re-build, improved facilities for fishing and pedestrian access to the ferry are essential.”

The new wharf pontoon will provide additional loading space for the ferry and mitigate potential tidal effects, plus provide more manoeuvring room for boats between the existing wharf pontoon and boat ramp.

The existing boat ramp will be widened and extended to improve launching at low tide. An additional two new 30-metre floating pontoons are proposed.

Adequate trailer boat parking during the busy summer period is a key consideration of this project.

'As with most other wharf and boating infrastructure across the Coromandel,” adds council, 'once the rebuild is completed it has been signalled that recreational boat launching/trailer parking fees will be introduced in Tairua to cover on-going maintenance costs.

'Further detail on this will be available next year. We would like your input and comments.”

HOW TO HAVE YOUR SAY

The Thames-Coromandel District Council says to have your say on the proposal you must make a submission by Friday, November 6.

The proposal and supporting information can also be viewed at the Tairua Library, which will also host open day on Saturday, October 24, from 9am to 12pm.

To receive a form or make a submission visit the Tairua Library or email Tairua-Pauanui Community Co-ordinatoLorna Price at: lorna.price@tcdc.govt.nz

For more information or to download a submission form visit the Thames-Coromandel District Council's website by clicking here.