Draft plan for Castlecliff Coastal Reserve
Published on 15 June 2018
15 June 2018
The Whanganui community is being encouraged to have its say on the future of the Castlecliff Coastal Reserve.
Whanganui District Council has prepared a draft management plan for the reserve, outlining its use, development, maintenance, protection and preservation for the next ten years. The plan includes the gazetted Castlecliff Domain Recreation Reserve, the North Mole and the land seaward up to the mean high water tide mark. It extends 3.1km northwards from the Whanganui River mouth and covers about 38 hectares, mostly in dunes and the Karaka Wetland.
Cr Jenny Duncan, Deputy Mayor, says the reserve’s future is as important to the whole Whanganui community as it is for Castlecliff.
“It’s everyone’s beach, playground, where we walk our dogs, picnic, fish and swim. Generations of families have grown up with the beach and reserve in their back yard. It also has cultural and spiritual significance for local hapū and iwi as a place for gathering food and materials.”
Cr Duncan says public submissions provide an opportunity for everyone in the Whanganui district to have their say on future management.
“Managing the reserve in partnership with the community creates a sense of ownership and pride that has flow on effects throughout the wider Castlecliff and Whanganui communities,” Cr Duncan says.
Council Policy Planner, Victoria Edmonds, says there is a legal requirement to prepare a reserve management plan for the Castlecliff Domain Recreation Reserve under Section 41 of the Reserves Act 1977.
She says the plan lists a number of key objectives, including historic, social and cultural values, reserve use, buildings and structures, natural values and operational maintenance.
“It also includes an action plan, from reserve use through to pedestrian and vehicle access, parking, dune stability and dealing with plant and animal pests,” Miss Edmonds says.
“The draft plan has taken initial community and stakeholder input into account, based on significant pre-engagement which included meetings with the Castlecliff community, an online survey, mail drop and an information stand at the Whanganui Home Show.”
The draft plan and submission forms are available online at:
www.whanganui.govt.nz/castlecliff-coastal-reserve
Copies of the plan and submission forms are also available from the Council office at 101 Guyton Street and copies can be viewed at Whanganui libraries.
For further information, please contact Victoria Edmonds by phone at 349 3168 or email victoria.edmonds@whanganui.govt.nz
Submissions close at 5.00pm on Friday, 17 August 2018.