The Tasman District Council (TDC) has publicly notified the application for resource consent on behalf of the Mapua Boat Ramp Community Trust, through the TDC Newsline (the council website). Public submissions on the Māpua Community Boat Ramp resource consent application are open until 26 February. This is your opportunity to have your say about this important development for the Māpua community and surrounding areas.
This consent is for a new boat ramp, a new community building on Waterfront Park (which will house the Tamaha Sea Scouts and other aquatic sports people), and for use of part of the parking space in Kite Park for trailer parking.
Many of you were approached a year ago and signed a survey in favour of the project going ahead. In fact, over 90% of those who responded to the survey supported the boat ramp, building and parking space usage plans. The Trust is very grateful for that level of support.
As local residents, the Trustees asked for this consent to be publicly notified, because we do not want to force this project on the community. We are aware however that there are some people who oppose this project, including some of those living close to the site. We acknowledge that the development may not be everyone’s preference.
In order to clear up any confusion or misunderstanding, please be aware that:
- The Council is contributing up to $700,000 plus GST for the planning and construction. The balance will be provided from fundraising. Rates will not be affected by the project.
- The clay cap under the ground protecting the land from the chemicals from the old FCC site will not be broken as the ramp and the building will be built on top of the cap. The building will be built on the existing carpark site. That carpark will be relocated onto Kite Park. The ramp will be out from and alongside the southern boundary. The petanque court will be moved sideways by a few metres.
- There will not be boat washing facilities, as this can be very noisy.
- There will not be a pontoon built.
- There will not be overhead lighting along the ramp.
- Hours of use will be approximately 4.30am to 10pm during summertime, and from 5.30am to 9pm during winter.
- Walking access along the shoreline will be maintained.
- The Trust is a community charitable Trust which will be leasing the fee simple land from the council but the Trust will own the assets.
Here is an extract from part of the application:
4.19 Conclusion as to Environmental Effects
The proposed boat ramp is in an existing highly modified environment and the adverse effect on the coastal environment should be less than minor. The proposal sea-scout / community building will blend in with the existing environment of the Māpua Wharf area. The FCC site will be managed to ensure there is no contamination risk to the Coastal Marine Area. The proposal will ensure that the ecology of the coastal marine area will not be adversely affected by the proposal.
Boating provides for the social well-being of many families in the surrounding Māpua area, and the proposal will provide an important recreational activity in the district. The OCEL report (Appendix 15 & 15A) has confirmed that the boat ramp can be constructed safely in the specified location and used by boat users without being adversely affected by tidal flows in the Mapua Channel.
The impetus for this project will be known by most people, there was a boat ramp constructed next to the existing wharf at the Ngaio park site in 1988. It was the original boat club which lobbied the Nelson Harbour Board to save the wharf from demolition. But due to the expansion of the commercial area in the 2010s, it became an unsuitable place to use, due to health and safety. Various people promised a new site over the years, but it didn’t eventuate. The Sea Scouts are being squeezed out of their rooms on the wharf.
This is now our opportunity to reestablish a safe, all-weather, all-tide launching ramp. The new facilities will allow the scouts to engage with more of our young people.
You can view the relevant documentation about the proposed project and make your submission via the Tasman District Council website. Fill in this form and email it to the TDC and email a copy to the applicant. Your support is much appreciated!
Māpua Community Boat Ramp 