Government funding flushed

They did not want freedom campers near their estuary, and now Motueka residents have spoken out about having a motorhome dump station near the town’s aerodrome.

The town’s inability to agree on where infrastructure for freedom campers should go has lost Tasman district $300,000 of government funding.

That money, earmarked for a Kiwi camp unit and a waste station, will now be given to Marlborough to help it deal with its freedom campers.

Tasman District Council had until December 1 to complete projects in order to claim a $660,000 Responsible Camping Fund grant for a range of freedom camping projects. It had proposed building a dump site on the corner of College and Queen Victoria streets, at the entrance to Motueka Aerodrome.

However, council communications manager Chris Choat said the idea had been ‘‘taken off the table’’ in response to strong feedback from the public and aerodrome users.

The council initially agreed for the new dump station to be located on another section of aerodrome land, accessed through Marchwood Park. Unfortunately, the distance from water, wastewater and electricity networks resulted in an $100,000 unbudgeted bill, so the site was discounted.

Another alternative at Courtney St East, off High St, also met considerable public opposition in terms of the way residents were consulted and environmental and safety issues.

Other sites investigated at Mariri and Lower Moutere were deemed unsuitable.

The location of Motueka’s existing dump station, in the carpark off Hickmott Place, had issues with congestion and a risk of people drinking untreated water.

‘‘It’s been made very clear to us that no-one wants [campers] in the town centre, even though that is where there usually will end up,’’ Choat said.

‘‘There’s been suggestions that we should direct them to campgrounds, but they are arriving at a time when these places are full up as it is.’’

A meeting was held yesterday involving councillors Paul Hawkes, Sue Brown and Anne Turley, council staff and external parties to discuss the next step.

However, a decision was made not to proceed with a dump station this summer.

Hawkes said he still saw the aerodrome as the cheapest and most viable option, and was disappointed that no resolution could be reached.

He said it was likely the council would apply for funding next year with an eye to building a dump station on the initial Marchwood Park site.

‘‘It’s been made very clear to us that noone wants [freedom campers] in the town centre.’’

Tasman District Council communications manager Chris Choat