KMB prepares to tackle next big project

November 20th, 2013
[by David Armstrong]

Preparatory work is under way on Keep Motueka Beautiful's next large-scale project - the redevelopment of the Port Motueka quay and reserve into a high-quality recreational area for tourists and locals alike.

Having completed the five-year project to build the walkway circumnavigating the Estuary Inlet, the beautification group has decided to put many of its resources into a similarly challenging project to improve the amenity values of the area between the saltwater baths and the entrance of the port.

Done properly, the landscaping involved would be expected to take perhaps four or five years and cost well upward of $30,000, plus new carpark surfacing costs. More detail is yet to be worked out.

The first step has been completed - a concept plan has been drawn up by Riverside landscape specialist Che Vincent. The plan was presented to the KMB committee on Monday, and it was emphasised that it was only a starting point, with plenty of detail to be worked through over time.

In order for such a project to attract any Council funding in the way of Reserve Financial Contributions (RFCs, allocated for new growth-oriented infrastructure), it will need to be approved by the Motueka Community Board at its December 10th meeting.

To that end, the KMB committee voted to adopt in principle the Beach Reserve/East Quay concept plan as the basis for exploratory talks with various Council managers and approval by the Community Board.

You can view that plan (which already has a few specific amendments such as tree species names, not shown here) by downloading this file.

Some of the key features include a pond and wetland area in the north-west corner (near the Beach Reserve car park), which is naturally low and often wet; better parking near the fishing area at the river mouth; several walking paths and related plantings, and an attractive path and coastal plants along the eastern quay to link the river mouth with the saltwater baths.

Here are photos of the key areas that will need work.

Present view from the north west corner looking south. The new wetland will run from centre to right.

The same area, looking from the south

The main quay area beside the river entrance, with Jackett Island to the right

Subject to Council approval, KMB has already decided to set aside $6,000 for the remainder of this financial year (seven months) for further detailed planning work on this project.

It also decided that, given the growing list of potential projects for KMB to tackle, it was best to not try to do too much, but focus on priority projects that are within the capacity of the group to progress.

Several other small projects will continue, each with budgets as approved at the meeting for the remainder of the 2013-14 year. They are:

Major tree planting on both sides along High Street between Toad Hall and Courtney Street, as undergrounding of the power lines takes place, expected to begin in February ($4,000).
Some tidying up of a small part of the estuary wetlands beside the Adopt-a-Plot, which has been used to dump rubbish ($1,000).
Plantings along Wharf Road ($1,000).
Further restoration of inlet estuary wetlands ($1,000).
Adopt-a-Plot and other maintenance work ($2,000).
Entrance signs to the town from the Motueka River valley, Riwaka and Lower Moutere ($2,500).
Thorps Bush and other established garden plots ($1,000)
Donation to Our Town Motueka for hanging baskets ($1,000).
Donation to Vision Motueka for help with two more murals ($1,000).
Payments for work done recently on the southern roundabout ($2,000)

Comment by Jim Butler:
[Posted 24 November 2013]

Great concept plan for the East Quay, David, in particular a pond on the north west corner of the Beach Reserve which is often under water during the winter months. My only adverse comment is that lowering the stopbank when there is the potential for sea level rise is probably not a good planning and may not get approval.

This, getting approval from TDC, may be the most difficult part of operation for KMB, going by my experisnce on the committee for a dozen years or so. Once approval is gained, it is surprising how quickly the plan can be implemented as long as there is a good team. One has only to look at my old Plot 2 in the Inlet Reserve that has become a jungle in less than 10 years. As have nearby plots developed about the same time.

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