Key Takeaways
- The Wharf Masterplan includes the relocation of a children’s rope swing and slide, as well as the extension of the jetty.
- The project aims to provide space for fishing and a boardwalk along the shoreline to offset the impacts of the mussel boat operation.
- The council has been presented with options to fund the project, including borrowing, reallocating Better Off Funding, or putting the project on hold.
- The Mayor has proposed testing the market by putting the job out for tender at the current allocation to determine what can be delivered at the original price cap.
- Councillors have agreed not to allocate extra funds, and any further budget requirements will be brought back to council for agreement.
Introduction to the Wharf Masterplan
The Wharf Masterplan is a comprehensive project aimed at enhancing the existing wharf area, providing space for fishing and a boardwalk along the shoreline. The plan includes the relocation of a children’s rope swing and slide to a new location beside the jetty, as well as the extension of the jetty itself. The project is intended to offset the impacts of having a portion of the existing wharf area closed to the public while it services the mussel boat operation. The masterplan is a significant undertaking, and the council is currently exploring options for funding the project.
Funding Options for the Project
The council’s service delivery group manager, Nathan Hughes, has presented a report outlining options for funding the project. These options include borrowing to allocate further funding, reallocating Better Off Funding to the project, or putting the project on hold and letting it remain a shovel-ready project for consideration during the next annual or long-term plan discussion. The Better Off Funding was received from the last Labour Government to fund community wellbeing projects as part of Three Waters reforms. Mayor David Moore has emphasized that this money needs to be spent, and has proposed a fourth option of testing the market by putting the job out for tender at the current allocation.
Testing the Market and Reducing Project Scope
The Mayor’s proposal involves asking what can be delivered at the original price cap, and potentially reducing the scope of the project to create a smaller jetty than planned. This approach could help to reduce the overall cost of the project and make it more feasible within the existing budget. Councillor Barry Howe has expressed agreement with the Mayor’s proposal, stating that the current allocation of funds is more than adequate for what is needed. He noted that "we don’t want a gold-plated jetty," emphasizing the importance of finding a cost-effective solution. The Mayor has also suggested using $100,000 of Better Off funding to reduce the amount of loan funding for the project from $450,000 to $350,000.
Councillors’ Decision and Next Steps
After considering the options presented, the councillors have agreed not to allocate extra funds for the project. If it is found that further budget is required, it will be brought back to council for agreement. This approach ensures that the project will proceed in a fiscally responsible manner, without committing to additional expenses without proper consideration. The decision reflects the councillors’ commitment to finding a cost-effective solution that meets the needs of the community. As the project moves forward, it will be important to continue monitoring expenses and ensuring that the final product aligns with the original vision and budget.
Conclusion and Future Plans
The Wharf Masterplan is an important project that has the potential to enhance the existing wharf area and provide benefits to the community. The council’s decision to test the market and potentially reduce the scope of the project reflects a commitment to finding a cost-effective solution. As the project proceeds, it will be important to continue monitoring progress and ensuring that the final product meets the needs of the community. With careful planning and management, the Wharf Masterplan has the potential to be a successful and beneficial project for all stakeholders involved.