Last week, the Waitaki District Council's harbour subcommittee discussed spending $1.4 million - virtually all from sources other than rates - next financial year. The plan is being included in the council's draft annual plan, and also a nine-year strategy.
Corporate services group manager Carolyn Carter hoped the draft strategy would be ready for approval by the subcommittee at its meeting next month. It would then be discussed with groups with a special interest in the harbour.
The budget for the strategy would then be included in the council's 10-year Waitaki long-term plan, which will be reviewed next year and open for public submissions.
The strategy is the latest attempt to develop the harbour for recreational, tourism and commercial use. It will schedule projects and examine costs, including what money is already available from the council, what can be paid by ratepayers and possible grants available.
It aims to produce a plan and speed up development.
The objectives of the development are to:
• Encourage commercial operation to maximise returns from harbour assets.
• Make the waterfront readily accessible to people.
• Cater for outdoor events.
• Encourage creativity and celebration.
• Encourage water activities with heritage coming alive.
• Protect and tell the stories of the harbour.
• Integrate activities within the historic precinct and harbour.
• Encourage investment in harmony with the harbour's natural and historic environment.
• Enhance tourism for Oamaru and encourage exploration of the Waitaki district.
