Photo simulations of Opotiki's Harbour Redevelopment Project are sparking the community's imagination and reigniting discussion of the benefits it will bring to the town.

The photo imagery, produced by Isthmus Consultants, brings to life the harbour structures and some of the ideas driving the project, including a vibrant and active marine area and harbour frontage for the town.

A conceptual image of Opotiki Harbour Development, showing groynes. Concept images: Isthmus Consultants.

Opotiki District councillor Shona Browne saysthe excitement around the town is a great boost for those working on the project.

'The project has been in the pipeline for more than 10 years – so it has been part of the backdrop for the community for a long time.”

The harbour's redevelopment is a project to build twin groynes and associated works, creating a year-round navigable harbour entrance at Opotiki.

A conceptual image of Opotiki Harbour Development with marina. Concept images: Isthmus Consultants.

With it being an enabling project for Whakatohea's aquaculture proposal and other marine activities, last year the Bay of Plenty Regional Council pledged $18million to the project and the Opotiki District Council is seeking to match this funding with support from central government in the 2014 Budget.

'It is great to get this fresh excitement and a real sense that all the work is coming to fruition. There are pictures in the windows of local shops and people are talking about it again,” says Shona.

'As the project becomes a little more real, you can get a sense of how it might impact the day to day lives of those living here.”

Opotiki Mayor John Forbes agrees, saying for a project of this size and impact, there was a significant amount of lead time before the first sod was turned.

'Ten years seems like a long time, but it takes that long to ensure that all your ducks are in a row. That investment of time has paid off – a resource consent is now held for the largest aquaculture development of its kind in the country.

'We also have a very close relationship with Eastern Sea Farms to ensure that everything we are doing aligns and the projects are working together. We have buy-in from the community and we have the support of the regional council,” says John.

'We have the science and research that tells us that the mussels that grow out at sea are some of the best in the world and we have detailed geotechnical information to develop the best plans for harbour construction.

'We are incredibly well placed to make this a reality and hit the go button.”

The photo simulations use aerial photos and superimpose the structures and activity associated with the harbour redevelopment.

The images show the twin groynes, the large structures jutting out to sea that would create the year-round navigable harbour entrance.