The business case for the development of the Coromandel Harbour Facilities will be presented to the Thames-Coromandel District Council in May.

Before presenting it to council the Coromandel Harbour Project team want to go through some final checks and balances, as recommended under the Government's Better Business Case Model.

After final checks and balances are completed the the Coromandel Harbour Facilities business case will be presented to council in May. Photo: File

The case will be reviewed by an internal review team before being presented to the Coromandel Harbour Stakeholders Working Group and council's Economic Development Committee.

Coromandel Harbour Project manager Greg Hampton says the presentation of the business case to council is another milestone and decisional point for 'this major and complex project”.

'The business case will inform councils thinking on the scale, investment requirements and timeframes to enable the achievement of improved harbour infrastructure to satisfy future needs.”

The draft business case focuses on the option of a half-metre dredging of Furey's Creek for charter boats and recreational boaties, plus a dredged basin concept in the Coromandel inner Harbour.

It also looks at building specific relationships with regional and Government stakeholders to examine key issues such as: harbour contamination, infrastructure upgrades and consenting processes.

The draft business case builds on the Coromandel Harbour Facilities Project Strategy Document, signed off by Council in August 2014.

It also draws on the experience and knowledge gained during the Coromandel Waterways Marina development consent application process and the Aquaculture Wharfing Infrastructure study of 2010/11.

Alongside the draft business case, council has already approved commencing work on the expansion of the Sugarloaf Wharf at Te Kouma.

The wharf is currently used by both the Aquaculture industry and recreational boating groups.

In August 2014, council approved the start of resource consent applications to expand Sugarloaf Wharf to serve the aquaculture industry and address health and safety and congestion issues.

The Coromandel Harbour Facilities Project aims to address commercial, community, cultural, social and environmental aspects of the harbour to best meet every users' needs and aspirations.

It also looks at how council may be able to develop infrastructure to allow for a fast ferry from Auckland, which will also have economic benefits for the Coromandel District.

To read more about the Coromandel Harbour Facilities Project visit: www.tcdc.govt.nz/coroharbourproject