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

>> Keep up to date with the latest on the Opotiki Harbour Project

>> Read the Opotiki Harbour Transformation Project - Strategy Document

Water Supply
New regulations have been introduced requiring Council to seek alternative supply options. Council is preparing to source its water from two new bores and has set aside $200,000 for pipe work to link the main supply.

Library Upgrade
The Long Term Council Community Plan 2009-2019 proposed a $400,000 redevelopment of the Library building in 2009/10.  With the purchase of the neighbouring building in King Street, and the proposal to close the area between the two buildings and redevelop the library through both buildings costing an estimated $1,050,000 Council now proposes to investigate alternative proposals before making a final decision.

Old Administration Building
Council is considering the development of a purpose built building at the council depot on Bridge Street to provide improved accommodation for the current lessee of the Council’s old administration building on the corner of St John and Elliot streets.  The improvement will see greater revenue from the lease of both premises and a reduction in the loan servicing cost from the original proposal.

Piping of Church Street stormwater drain
The in-filling and piping of large and or open stormwater drains will continue with the Church Street drain being the project for 2010/11.

Sports & Events Centre
Previous plans have identified a sport and events centre at Memorial Park.  Following an independent review in 2008 it is now proposed to locate the centre at the Opotiki College in conjunction with the existing gymnasium and swimming pool.  However, due to other funding commitments the projects implementation has been delayed to 2014/15.

Memorial Park Pavilion
As a result of the sports and events centre no longer being planned for Memorial Park, a pavilion is now planned at this location.  This would service tennis and netball, among others.  A new playground is also planned for Memorial Park in 2012/13.