Feedback invited on future recreation land near Maketu

A three-hectare site at 83 Ford Road near Maketu is being considered for community use, and the community is invited to take part in the planning of how it may be used.

Currently undeveloped and zoned rural, Western Bay of Plenty District Council is planning to develop a concept plan for the site’s future use and recreational opportunities.

Consultation opens on Thursday 27 August and Council will hold a community open day session on site at 83 Ford Road on Thursday 3 September, from 3pm to 6pm.

Council’s Reserves and Facilities Manager Peter Watson says Ford Road is a well used and connected site. It is a strategic access point to the river and the ocean for boaties and has a lot of history associated with the Kaituna River.

Therefore, community feedback is important so that Council can produce a plan that is reflective of everyone’s needs.

“This is a strategic piece of land in a great location which can be used by everyone - local residents, tangata whenua, water based groups/clubs and cyclists using the Tauranga Eastern Link Cycleway.

“We are keen to hear what people think – it may be the usual activities – or something we haven’t thought of. It all counts. We’re open to all ideas and discussions to ensure this area is developed with everyone’s best interests in mind,” explains Peter.

Council purchased the site in 2016 for community use. The land includes, the Tukotahi Marae wharenui, a boat ramp and jetty and a carpark area. Its location provides connections to land owned by Bay of Plenty Regional Council along Kaituna River to Te Pourepo O Kaituna and the Tauranga Eastern Link Cycleway.

Over the past two years the site has been used as a depot for the $16.5 million Kaituna River Re-Diversion project, under an agreement with Bay of Plenty Regional Council and JP Swap Contractors Ltd.

Council believes now is the perfect time to develop the site to benefit the community and further enhance the lower Kaituna River area.

From Thursday 27 August to Friday 18 September, people can share their views online at: https://haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz/fordroad - or fill out a feedback form at the community open day session.

Following public feedback, a draft concept plan will be developed and this will go back out for public feedback in November 2020. The final concept plan will be considered and adopted by Council in February 2021.