Elmslie Bay jetty replacement needs government funding
The Elmslie Bay jetty is at the end of its life and needs replacement
The future of a critical link between French Pass and Rangitoto ki te Tonga / D’Urville Island was discussed at last week’s Assets and Services Committee meeting.
Marlborough Roads manager Steve Murrin presented a ‘Low Cost, Low Risk’ roading programme report which had included $1 million for replacing Elmslie Bay jetty, which services the local community and visitors.
This project, and a number of others including an urban Whale Trail connection through Blenheim and implementation of the Speed Management Plan around schools, were listed in Marlborough Roads’ bid for funding.
“I hate to be the bearer of bad news but Marlborough was not successful in obtaining any subsidies,” he said. “The only positive is there is still an opportunity to apply for resilience funding for the jetty.”
Mr Murrin cited the jetty replacement as critical.
“The jetty is at the end of its life and Marlborough Roads will apply for resilience funding through NZTA but we don’t know whether it is likely to be successful,” he said.
Sounds Ward Councillor Barbara Faulls said the jetty was a key link between D’Urville Island and the mainland and also provided access to Stephens Island.
“On any given day there are a number of boats in the area so it provides emergency access as well,” she said.
The committee decided to go ahead with the replacement of the jetty subject to access to resilience funding. Councillors voted to proceed with other projects not funded by NZTA in the order recommended, which was the urban Whale Trail connection and Speed Management Plan around schools.
This will be subject to full Council approval later this month.
