Harbour hopes of compromise
It was closed because it had deteriorated and was no longer needed by the company.
Bluff resident Bruce Pagan suggested replacing ladders on the jetty so kids could climb to safety.
‘‘That’s created the issue. I don’t think removing these was a reasonable health and safety move. They’re meant to take every reasonable step, replacing the ladderswould have been that step.’’
However, South Port NZ infrastructure manager Frank O’Boyle argued that reopening the wharf raised health and safety issues.
‘‘The public are not permitted to jump off this jetty, as its JOHN HAWKINS/STUFF
‘ I just want to see the kids of Bluff enjoy the sea, like they have for generations, but there is a lot of commercial fishing around.’
structural integrity cannot be guaranteed and it was not created for this purpose.’’
Bluff resident and marine radio operator Meri Leask raised concerns about kids jumping off in unsafe places, and in front of oncoming boats at the boatramp. She thought water safety education was a key part of the solution.
Fife planned to hold meetings with South Port, Environment Southland and Invercargill City Council to discuss ways the kids could continue to enjoy their traditional fun while staying safe.
Bluff schools could start a water safety educational campaign next year, he said.