Tarakohe boat ramp to get $57,000 security barrier
The management of the boat ramp at Tarakohe is to be transferred to the Tasman District Council in late December this year, and a security barrier arm will be built. Council has a budget of $57,000 for the job.
The boat ramp has been managed by the Pohara Boat Club since the council bought the harbour assets in 1996. It is thus owned by the council as part of Port Tarakohe. While the boat club managed the ramp it kept the profits. This meant it could clear its debts, which included a council loan to assist the club to build its facilities.
The council and the boat club have been in discussion for some time regarding a change of management of the boat ramp. Responsibility for management and maintenance of the boat ramp will transfer to the council. Harbour manager Allan Kilgour will assume responsibility for the boat ramp along with his other port duties.
The barrier arm will be placed between the clubhouse and the boat ramp. This will have lighting and security cameras in place. The barrier will replace the honesty box system previously operated by the boat club. Security cameras will also be installed in the boat storage compound.
“While new to Golden Bay, barrier arms are not uncommon in harbours and marinas in the region,” says TDC communications adviser Chris Choat. “The boat ramp at Ward St, Port Motueka has operated this way for several years.”
The barrier is expected to be activated by cash or a prepaid swipe card. Financial members of the boat club will be able to purchase annual passes. Casual users of the ramp will probably pay by cash or bank card. This system is still being developed and tender documents are in the process of being issued. Charges will be consistent with other charged boat ramps in the district. Boat ramp fees are currently $50 per annum for members of the Pohara Boat Club and $5 per launch for casual users.
Acting commodore of Pohara Boat Club, Barry Pomeroy, said the club and the council enjoy a good working relationship, and through this arrangement the security of the boat club’s tenure at the port will be confirmed. He also said that membership of the club was something boaties should think about, especially if they are regular users of the ramp.
“We have also negotiated an agreement for the rental of an office for the harbour manager and will receive financial assistance for allowing public use of our toilets and showers.”
Mayor Richard Kempthorne also welcomed the outcome.
“We have come to an agreement whereby the retention of the ramp, its ongoing maintenance and security will continue on a solid partnership platform. Our intention is to have the barrier arm and security measures in place before Christmas. By ensuring that individual components of the port such as this are self-funding, we can reduce the annual subsidy to the port from rates and still keep the fees fair and reasonable.”
Golden Bay ward councillor Martine Bouillir said that she personally did not favour the idea.
“It feels a bit like locals will feel pushed out of their own territory and I’m concerned about the cost. It would have been better if an issue like this had been notified to the community board first. Particularly anything to do with Port Tarakohe, which locals are naturally protective of, council needs to tread very carefully around any dealings.”
Joan Butts is a director of Port Tarakohe Ltd, said the TDC needed to stop adding facilities and infrastructure to the port until it finished the planning process that was started 10 years ago.
“We’re dealing with Outstanding Natural Features and Landscape (ONF&L) proposals now. Of course the limestone cliffs and rata trees are prime targets and we have always said they would be protected when the TDC have an overall plan for the port and the surrounding land. ONF&L-based restrictions imposed around the port could further stymie development there if there were inappropriate rules. To get real and enduring protection for ONF&Ls, you have to get buy-in from the landowners. Unfortunately the port is still being loaded with debt for things like expensive consultants reports that we never get to see and don’t achieve anything.”
Mayor Richard Kempthorne said that the change in management of the boat ramp was “part of a review that was undertaken about five years ago when the council looked at current and future developments for the port. Over the past three years we have been in discussions with the boat club regarding the transfer of control and agreed on a process and timing.”
Mr Kempthorne explained that the project will return a profit from year one because the works will be covered by a loan.
Asked whether the current initiative was part of a push to sell the port, Mr Kempthorne replied: “No, it is about continuing to improve the income streams and management of the port. During this term of council it has never discussed the option of selling the port and it is not on the agenda to do so. The more income we can generate, the more secure the port’s financial position becomes. That is the simple reasoning for this initiative.”
Neil Wilson
