The 2012-2022 Long Term Plan represents a relatively simple proposition. It is underpinned by the principles of consolidation and prudent financial management, affordability and getting prepared for future growth opportunities. The two significant investments over the next ten year period (The Harbour Transformation Project and renewal of the Ōpōtiki Township Sewerage Reticulation Network) are outlined above and combined these projects represent approximately 74% of Council's total capital expenditure over the next decade.
Opotiki Harbour Development The development of the Opotiki Harbour has been proposed for some time and an Eastern Seafarms proposal for the development of a mussel and / or marine farm off shore of Opotiki has highlighted the economic potential this resource has for the Easteran Bay of Plenty. Opotiki District's vision of becoming the base for a world class aquaculture industry took an important step forward at the end of July 2009.
Independent Hearing Commissioners appointed by the Minister of Conservation, Environment Bay of Plenty and Opotiki District Council have granted a series of Coastal Permits and Land Use Consents to allow the development of the Opotiki Harbour entrance to provide safe access for vessels under most tide and weather conditions. The Commission also recommended that the Minister of Conservation grants Coastal Permits covering the construction and use of river training walls and reclamation of 1.9 hectares of foreshore and seabed.
The marine farm is now fully consented and steps to commercialise the space are currently underway. It is assumed that both projects will be implemented and the local impacts have been factored into the ten year plan.
Council's role in relation to the Opotiki Harbour Development is planning and leading the project. Whether Council ends up being the owner/manager of the groynes has yet to be determined. Related projects include the Growth Management Strategy within the Environment Group activity. The purpose of the activity is to create a reliable entrance to the Opotiki Harbour in order to * Increase the overall social, economic & cultural well-being of the community & the Eastern Bay of Plenty * Enhance recreation opportunities and public access to the coast * Capitalise on opportunities arising from the proposed offshore Opotiki marine farm * Mitigate flooding on the Opotiki Township and surrounding area * Achieve a long held community aspiration and a high priority Community Outcome Read the latest Opotiki Harbour Update Newsletter - May 2012 (PDF, 241 Kb) Go to the Harbour Project pages on this site Read the Opotiki Harbour Strategy document - (PDF, 5.66MB)
Library Upgrade The redevelopment of the Ōpōtiki Library is a long time community aspiration and the project is scheduled for completion in 2013/14. During the 2012/13 financial year Council will investigate options for the Library Redevelopment. Following the theme of the last Community Plan for facilities the redevelopment of the Ōpōtiki Library is subject to Council receiving external funding.
Wastewater Reticulation Network
The review of the Wastewater Asset Management Plan in preparation for the development of the 2012-22 LTP has identified the need to invest in the Wastewater Reticulation Network (sewerage pipes) in the Ōpōtiki Township to provide an acceptable level of service for current users and also to ensure the community is prepared for future growth. The Ōpōtiki Township's waste water reticulation is fast approaching the end of its useful life and, as demonstrated on numerous occasions in recent years when there have been storms and rising rivers, the frequency of failures is increasing. The 2012-2022 Long Term Plan provides for the investment in the Ōpōtiki Wastewater Network Reticulation in three phases. The first (over the first two years of the LTP) is in detailed investigation to ensure that the best whole of life solution is selected. The second phase involves the replacement of the existing Reticulation in the Ōpōtiki Township based on the outcome of the detailed investigation and design work. The replacement of the existing network is planned for 2015/16 through to 2018/19. This investment is considered critical for environmental and public health outcomes and is essential to deliver reasonable service levels to existing users. The third and final stage of planned investment is scheduled for the later years of the LTP and relates to extending the reticulation network to cater for growth expected as a result of the developing Aquaculture Industry. The third stage will only be necessary and implemented if expected growth occurs
Growth sufficient to trigger a requirement for expansion may occur as a result of kiwifruit expansion (a plan change is currently before council for increased processing capacity to the south of town), settlement of the Whakatōhea Treaty Claim and the development of the aquaculture industry. Other key projects
Waihau Bay Playground It is planned to design and construct a playground at Waihau Bay in 2013/2014. Urban Pavement Rehabilitation This funding provides for the on-going rehabilitation of the urban roading network within the Ōpōtiki Township.
Ōpōtiki streets refurbishment programme:
Rural Seal Extension This funding provides for the on-going seal extension programme in the rural areas.
Generators Funding has been provided to purchase generators to support the Water Supply Networks in Ōpōtiki and Te Kaha. Unreliable power supply to the Ōpōtiki District means that emergency generation capacity is required to ensure that potable water can continue to be supplied in the event of power outage.
Motu Trails Cycle Trail
In conjunction with other partners Council proposes to promote and market the Mōtū Trails Cycleway through the Mōtū Trails Charitable Trust. Modest funding of $20,000 per year for a three year period is proposed to support the Trust. Visit the Motu Trails Cycleway website for full details of this amazing trail.
