The Eastern Bay Chamber of Commerce is pleased to hear the Whakatāne District Council has six new applications from commercial boat operators for permanent berths at its wharves.

EBCC chief executive Ged Casey says the port area is getting busier, with two large vessels currently loading out equipment on a daily basis to facilitate the Eastern Bay of Plenty aquaculture development.

Photo: Whakatāne District Council.

The district council recently notified a resource consent application to construct a new pontoon wharf alongside part of Quay Street, to the west of the Wairere Stream.

'It's good to see the council's long term plan provides for the design and consenting of a replacement for the existing, but aged Main Commercial Wharf, which is expected to get underway this year,” says Ged.

The chamber believes both these developments have the potential to contribute significantly to the area's business growth and will be lodging a submission in support of the Quay Street Wharf resource consent application.

It also encourages other like-minded individuals and organisations to add their support, says Ged.

'The Harbour is one of the regions great opportunities and priority must be given to a visionary long term plan for this area that includes an implementation plan and timeline.

'Alongside this expansion there must remain a clear focus on harbour mouth access including dredging and on better public use and access.”

Ged believes if priority is not placed on improving the harbour facilities and access, Whakatāne risks being left behind by other regional harbours, and losing business and patronage as a result.