Public consultation concerning the proposed upgrades to Whangamata's Williamson Park and Tairua's wharf and boat ramp close this week.

The Thames-Coromandel District Council is advising Coromandel locals that the last day for public submissions on both upgrade projects will be closing this Friday, November 6.

Williamson Park in Whangamata. Photo: File

WILLIAMSON PARK REDEVELOPMENT

Council says it is proposing to replace many of the old pines that have reached the end of their lifespan at the seaside reserve.

'At the same time native coastal trees can be planted throughout the park, a boardwalk built along the dunes in front of the Surf Club area, realigning the road to create more open space, redesigning the car parking for ease and safety and improving access to the beach,” explains council.

The redevelopment will not only cater for park users all year round, but also create more room for the reserve to host big events Like Beach Hop and Brits at the Beach more effectively.

Consultation has been held with the park's key users which includes the Surf Lifesaving Club, Blackies Cafe, Whangamata Summer Festival, Beach Hop and Brits at the Beach, plus nearby residents.

Council says their input provided valuable suggestions which have been included in the concept plan.

'[We have] approved the use of $586,878 from Whangamata's Neighbourhood Reserves Fund for this project.

'This means that the money for this project has already been raised and the ratepayers of Whangamata will not have to pay anything further toward the project.”

For more information or to have your say pop into council's Whangamata office on Port Rd or visit its project page at: www.tcdc.govt.nz/williamson

Mary Beach Wharf and Ramp in Tairua. Photo: TCDC

TAIRUA WHARF AND BOAT RAMP UPGRADE

Council says the wharf at Tairua's Mary Beach is old and within three to six years will need significant maintenance to ensure the structure meets health and safety requirements.

A working group including Tairua-Pauanui Community Board member Donna Brooke, council staff, and key wharf and boat ramp users have looked at options and drafter a plan council wants feedback on.

'We want to rebuild the wharf in the same location, in wood, and make it wider (four metres) so vehicles can drive on to load and unload boats,” explains council. 'Improved facilities for fishing and pedestrian access to the ferry are included.

'A new wharf pontoon will provide additional loading space for the ferry and mitigate potential tidal effects as well as provide more manoeuvring room for boats between the existing wharf pontoon and the boat ramp.”

The existing boat ramp will be improved by extending and widening it to improve launching at low tide.

Two additional 30-metre floating pontoons are also proposed at the boat ramp to increase the number of boats that can be launched and to improve safety given the tidal flows of the harbour.

The proposal also includes consideration of adequate trailer boat parking for the busy summer period.

'As with most other wharf and boating infrastructure across the Coromandel, once the rebuild is completed it is intended that recreational boat launching fees will be introduced in Tairua to cover on-going maintenance costs,” says council. 'Further detail on this will be available next year.”

Council approved a budget of $1.2 million for the project, which will be funded from Tairua depreciation reserves and a $120,000 loan.

You can view the plan and have your say at the Tairua Library or by visiting council's website at: www.tcdc.govt.nz/tairuawharf

Public submissions on both projects close Friday, November 6.