Mapua boat ramp plan gets backing

While the majority of respondents to a survey on the future of the Mapua waterfront want the area to remain untouched, a new boat ramp at Waterfront Park is one addition that would be welcomed by many wharf users.

Of 668 respondents who answered a question on the proposal by Mapua Boat Club to develop a new boat ramp at the park, 390 backed the plan.

Mapua Boat Club launched concept plans for a new ramp at Waterfront Park after a Tasman District Council decision to restrict vehicle access to the increasingly busy Mapua Wharf area in October 2015 meant boaties couldn’t readily access their clubbuilt ramp.

TDC included the question about the boat ramp in a survey it held over summer to collect the initial views of the public and help guide its development of a longterm plan for council-owned land on the waterfront, which includes large chunks the Mapua Wharf area, Waterfront Park and Grossi Point as well as remediated commercial and residential land.

Strategic policy manager Sharon Flood said there were 723 survey responses, 63 per cent from Mapua residents. Other respondents were residents of Tasman, Nelson, elsewhere in New Zealand and overseas.

A large majority – 82 per cent – of 692 respondents to a multiplechoice question on the mix of business, recreational and community use said it should remain as is.

Tasman mayor Richard Kempthorne said continued discussion with community groups in Mapua would supplement the snapshot of opinion provided by the survey.

‘‘Those conversations have begun and will help us develop some options for the waterfront area that can be a starting point for discussion with the wider community,’’ Kempthorne said. ‘‘We expect to have a draft ready for the public to look at and provide comment on by about May.’’

Flood said said the survey questions asked about issues facing the waterfront area.

‘‘About 200 made suggestions for change, such as a more recreational outdoor focus, more family-focused activities and less commercial activity.’’

Most respondents asked for new facilities including better seating, tables and shade.

There were a range of suggestions for where a boat ramp could go, including Waterfront Park, Grossi Point and Rabbit Island.