The West Harbour Community Board welcomed another busy public forum at its meeting last week in Port Chalmers, with topics ranging from funding applications to popular local markets and light pollution. Brenda Harwood reports.
Artisan markets
Port Chalmers artisan/cruise ship markets co-ordinator Julie Fawcett shared a comprehensive report on the success, growth and financial benefits of the market to the community over the past eight years.
With the majority of the 350 stall holders coming from the West Harbour area, the markets were particularly popular with cruise ship passengers and had injected an estimated $400,000-plus into the community.
Ms Fawcett said there could be more markets held in Port Chalmers Town Hall, except for the challenge of finding out the cruise ship schedule far enough in advance to book the space.
She asked for the board’s assistance with sorting this out.
Sea cadets
The board heard a presentation from Dunedin Sea Cadets unit support committee chairman Johnny Goldsmith in support of the group’s funding request for $584.10 towards the cost of replacing a corroded ladder providing access from the unit’s Back Beach boat shed to the water.
The project was a high priority, as the lack of water access from the jetty limited water-based activities for the sea cadets, he said. Later in the meeting, board members voted to grant the unit the requested $584.10.
Regatta day
Carey’s Bay Historic Hotel owner Jo Kidston spoke to the board in support of a funding application towards the costs associated with the upcoming Careys Bay Community Regatta Day on April 16.
The board later voted to grant $2000 to the project.
Boat builders celebration
Shelley Gorman, of Creative Control Events, spoke to a funding application for $1500 towards the commemoration of 120 years of boat building and ship repairs at Careys Bay shipyards in May.
The funding would help with the cost of marketing materials, event management, and the creation of historical displays, which would later be gifted to Port Chalmers Maritime Museum.
After later discussion, the board voted to grant $500 to the project, subject to the museum confirming it wanted the historical materials.
Longbeach Amenities Society
Society president Tracey McNamara spoke to the board about its long-term plan for replacing the roof on Longbeach Hall, which had started to leak.
The project had been costed at about $42,000. The society was requesting $10,000 from the board.
The hall was being used more and more by the community, so it was critical it was maintained to a high standard, she said.
The board was supportive of the society’s goals, but decided to defer a decision until the next financial year, when the board would have received its next allocation of funds.
Light pollution
Dark sky advocate Pauline Barry presented a comprehensive briefing on light pollution in the West Harbour area, saying the city’s efforts to improve the situation by switching to LED lights and shielding was positive. However wildlife and people were still being affected by light haze, glare and reflection.
Board members suggested Ms Barry could make a submission to the DCC’s annual plan.
Board updates
Kristina Goldsmith reported on the Port Noise Liaison Committee, which had discussed issues around a thumping noise from some ships in port and public complaints abut cruise ships playing The Love Boat loudly while leaving the harbour.
Ravensbourne liaison Jarrod Hodson reported on successful meetings held with Ravensdown management and the community liaison group, including the possibility of the company funding public toilets near the shared path.
Aramoana liaison Barbara Anderson reported on the ongoing discussion around the Long Mac groyne, and the danger from trees toppling in stormy weather, the need for toilets and parking.
Duncan Eddy reported on Long Beach and Purakaunui areas, raising community concerns about the need for public toilets.
