N Izett

The increasing problems now faced by the upstream artificial harbour and the host of other negative reasons, including the unknown costs of dealing with the contamination at the site, indicates it should not proceed.

Quite apart from the lack of support by most of Whakatāne ratepayers, who would never use this facility, another important factor is the increasing diseases now appearing in the marine life of the Hauraki Gulf.

The likely effects of rising pollution of the oceans from Auckland and other areas, with many snapper showing signs of undernourishment with pulpy flesh, never before known, could well be happening in the wider Bay of Plenty ocean as well.

This, and the mussel and other shellfish harvesting moratorium now in force there after the authorities instigated the sowing of seven million mussels in the Gulf area to reinstate what was once a healthy ocean environment.

How about using Shane Jones’ regional development money instead on designing and constructing a cable car at the best strategic position along the escarpment.

Whakatāne’s geography is hugely suitable for a scheme such as this and what’s more it is far more environmentally friendly.

But the main advantage is that it would be a huge money spinner and tourist attraction for our town, including a very good boost to Whakatāne’s flagging economy.

And I’m confident this idea would have far wider support from all our ratepayers, all of whom could take a ride, compared to that up-river harbour proposal that would have such a bad effect on our environment with the greater consumption of fossil fuels making the catching of any fish extremely expensive, let alone the huge costs for dealing with the contaminated excavated material.

When all the unknown costs of developing this harbour and owning and maintaining a boat are factored in, it is probably a much cheaper option to purchase any fish you fancy caught by the commercial operators based at the wharf.