Sullivan Lake dredging delayed

Planned ‘desilting' of Sullivan Lake in Whakatāne will begin in September, to comply with the conditions of the Resource Consent for the work.

Reporting to the Whakatāne District Council's Projects and Services Committee last week, Community Services General Manager Mike Naude said it had been hoped that silt dredging would be completed by the end of June, but the resource consent issued by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council meant the work could not commence until 1 September, to avoid potential weather impacts on water quality or the wider environment.

The dredging will deepen the lake and contribute to reduced water temperatures and improved water quality, particularly in summer months.

Funding for cycle trail extension business case

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has confirmed a $74,000 grant to fund the development of a business plan for a proposed western extension of the Mōtū Trails Great Ride from Ōpōtiki to Whakatāne Airport.

Preparation of the business case will be a collaborative project between the Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki District Councils and the Mōtū Trails Charitable Trust. Consultants working on the ‘Western Coastal Extension Cycle Trail' business case will engage with key stakeholders to assess route options and business development opportunities.

Once complete, the business case will be assessed by MBIE to determine whether it should be considered for a co-funding application.

Walking and Cycling steering group formed

The Whakatāne District Council has established a Walking and Cycling Steering Group, consisting of elected members and staff, to guide initiatives which will improve walking and cycling infrastructure throughout the District. The three main projects the Steering Group will oversee are:

  • The Western Coastal Extension Cycle Trail;
  • A review of the Walking and Cycling Strategy 2007; and
  • A review of the Walking and Cycling Implementation Plan 2013.

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