Brian Anderson The Western Front www.sunlive.co.nz

The recent Northern and Southern Harbour Recreation Forums are a welcome initiative supporting the harbour and our freedom to be able to access and enjoy this major asset of the Bay.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council started the initiative to encourage the people of the Bay to take part in the harbour development process at the community level.

Up until now the needs and wishes of the communities have been lost in what councils called cross boundary communication problems. That is all over.

I have witnessed representatives from all walks of life actually not just being ably to talk, but have their voices heard.

It has taken 10 years of argument, but it has been worth the wait.

Monitoring of current use of the harbour has started. Boat ramp parking problems have been identified. The Katikati Beach Road boat ramp users are in for a pleasant surprise.

The all tide Kauri Point boat ramp can now be viewed in context of the whole northern region requirements. The Bowentown boating club has shown its plans for development of the area while ensuring that, even though they seem ambitious, they are sensitive to the development and the needs of the whole northern harbour.

It wasn't just all talk at the meeting with planners from both councils participating and politics seemed to have taken second fiddle to healthy and open discussions. Congratulations to the regional council and planners who have kicked the project into life, but especially to their staff who were there in force encouraging and supporting all parties at the meetings. They have done their homework. They have set a platform for community involvement that is unique and must be supported by all parties.