The Opoutere community will soon have safer access to the Wharekawa boat ramp with a new footpath confirmed.

The Whangamata Community Board approved the new 1km-long safety footpath in February in an attempt to make the boat ramp safer.

Opoutere community will soon have safer access to the Wharekawa boat ramp thanks to a new footpath.

The path will extend 500m either side of the boat ramp and will also allow cyclists and walkers to gain access to the harbour safely.

Until now, everyone has had to walk on the road, but the board's representatives now feel the number of people has reached the point where safety has become an issue.

Construction on the walkway is scheduled to begin just after Easter.