Trailer charges urged to upgrade boat ramp

The state of the Whitianga wharf boat ramp has been labelled "dangerous" by boaties who are demanding the council spend some of the money from a controversial trailer parking charge fixing it up.

Boat ramp campaigner Lou O'Reilly challenged Mercury Bay Community Board members at last week's meeting to pay to remedy the "tragedy" of the Whitianga ramp, where sand had been washed out causing a steep drop-off at the low water line. Mr O'Reilly said the ramp needed to be extended by seven metres to avoid further washouts.

"You could do the job for $15,000," Mr O'Reilly said. "People wouldn't mind paying trailer parking fees if they thought the money was coming back into improving the ramps."

Area manager Lesley McCormick said Environment Waikato consents alone would probably cost up to $15,000. Board chairman Murray McLean wanted the matter brought to the next Thames-Coromandel District Council full meeting.

Councillor Dirk Sieling said the issue of boat ramp alternatives for Whitianga was in danger of going off the radar.

"A lot of work has been done in the past in identifying all the options, and I would like this brought back to the table," Mr Sieling said. "We know the funding has been deferred to 2014/15, but we must signal to council that this is still a top priority for our town."

Councillor Noel Hewlett said after delays over the years it was now a safety issue.

- © Fairfax NZ News