Port Motueka development plan a step closer

October 15th, 2011
[by David Armstrong]

A proposal for significant developments at Port Motueka advanced a small step this week when Motueka Community Board members voted to add it as a submission to TDC's Long Term Plan early next year.

The proposal, which originated a few years ago from Trewavas Street resident Ken Leppien, calls for the reclamation of about two hectares of the Moutere Inlet west of the present port area, and the development of infrastructure that would encourage industries and boat owners to set up shop there.

Ken says his suggestions have fallen on deaf ears at the council for some time, but recently he made presentations to council's Engineering Services and Enterprises committees and has now asked the community board to help advance the plans.

It is widely believed among Motueka's community and business leaders that the port should be developed along the lines of a stand-alone business, but it is also accepted that the money to do such a development would be a big stretch. Ken says he was encouraged to put forward his ideas when being told there may be money available in the Port Motueka Endowment Fund, to top up TDC funding.

Ken's proposal is based on reclaimed land running about two-thirds of the way along the south side of Wharf Road from the present port toward High Street. A large amount of dredging would also take place to allow commercial mooring and a larger marina.

"Expansion of the marina facilities and the increase in commercial operations in Abel Tasman Park has led to an increase in demand for services and the need for planned infrastructure development," the proposal began.

It listed a range of facilities that are commonly found in larger marinas such as Waikawa, plus service berths, visitor berths, an operations and maintenance base for tourism operators, marine engineering businesses and a service base for marine farming, and marine sales.

"A development incorporating the suggested facilities would have the critical mass to make it a viable stand-alone business model," he said. Once developed, that facility would be leased to an operator who in turn would sub-lease to business owners or individuals. "Using ball-park figures to cost the dredging and reclamation, indications are that the model would yield a return within a three or four-year period from start-up."

He said the proposal, when developed, would provide employment opportunities, improved services in the district, and earn income from storage of boats for out-of-district owners.

The proposal was made on behalf of the Motueka Peninsular Society, Motueka Yacht & Cruising Club, Motueka Power Boat Club, Ivan Palmer haul-out service, Talley's Ltd, Commercial Fishers Association, commercial tourist operators in Abel Tasman Park, marine sales and service providers, plus a number of individual boat owners.

Community board chairman David Ogilvie told Motueka Online that the board will be happy to submit the proposal to the council's long term planning process. He noted that major resource consents would be needed as there would be many parties affected with such a large area of the estuary involved. He suggested that if some larger companies such as Knaap Engineering and Talley's get involved the idea may well be advanced.

Community board member Cliff Satherley is now taking over from Ken Leppien to advance the plan. Being involved in the tourism industry, Mark Chapman would also be likely to help promote it. Cr Jack Inglis will also be keen, seeing as he made the port's development one of his main election platforms last October.

Comment by Malcolm Garrett:
[Posted 23 October 2011]

I am most impressed by the idea of developing the Port area as both a destination for locals and an enhanced facility for boaties of all interests. I would love to see a cafe, restaurant etc develop in the area, attracting a range of folk getting together for a night out, and giving people a chance to appreciate our coastal area more fully.

How many people know and use the Talley's Fish shop at the wharf area? Why couldn't there be a range of retail there too to complement it. I can't see any harm in further dredging an area to provide all-tides berths for visiting boats. Go the waterfront! And I'm basically a conservationist at heart too! So look after the estuary life as well, please.

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