The Athenree shared path community information session planned for Wednesday, October 20, has been cancelled to minimise unnecessary risk from Covid-19.

The session was planned to take place in Athenree with Western Bay of Plenty District Council people on-hand to answer any community questions about the proposed Athenree shared path.

"We know this is a blow to the people who wanted to come and chat with us about the project face to face, and we apologise emphatically," says Council's Reserves and Facilities Projects and Assets Manager Scott Parker.

"The need to keep everyone safe is our first priority and Covid-19 has taken the decision out of our hands."

Scott says the're always available to talk to the community, it doesn't have to be at an organised event.

"If you have questions, please get in touch. We're still here to answer your questions."

For now, Scott encourages anyone with questions to get in touch via one of the many other channels available

• drop in to one of Council's library and service centres to fill out a form;
• share your views via the postcard mailed to Waihī Beach, Athenree and Bowentown residents;
• email your questions to cycleways@westernbay.govt.nz please use subject 'Athenree shared path”; or
• take the survey at haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz/athenreeshared-path.

Council's proposed shared use path across the northern end of the Waiau Estuary includes a 2.5 metre wide boardwalk, 380 metres long across the estuary from Island View, connecting to a 440 metre long surfaced path through Dr North Reserve to Pōhutukawa drive.

The design will be mobility scooter and wheelchair friendly with an elevated section over the Waiau Estuary channel to allow small boats to pass under.

"We've had great community engagement already. Let's keep up the momentum and not let it stop just because we can't all meet in person," says Scott.

The current community engagement campaign is just the first stage of the project.

The next opportunity to submit will be during the publicly notified resource consent application process later on in the project, as set out below.

Project milestones:

1. Project feasibility report
2. Public feedback / have your say - we are here
3. Concept design and investigations
4. Publicly notified resource consent application process –public feedback sought again
5. Resource consent application outcome notified/published
6. If resource consent successful, obtain construction funding
7. Construction, subject to funding

Visit council's website to read more about the project and have your say haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz/athenree-shared-path