D Mankelow

I have recently been advised that the Whakatāne District Council is now charging a fee for the use of boat ramps.

As far as I am aware, there has been no consultation process or publicity or advertising of this intent in the local media.

As well as providing services such as roading, drainage, water, etc, it is the responsibility of local authorities to provide facilities and amenities for the community.

In a coastal situation such as ours, it is entirely appropriate for boat ramps to be included.

“User pays” is all very well, but what about parks, cycling paths, walking tracks, etc – does the council intend to fence off and install turnstiles to pay as you go? A toll on Nga Tapuwae O Toi should bring some extra dollars. It seems that the boating community is being penalised here.

The financial amount for locals is not large, but it is another additional cost and discouragement from enjoying healthy outdoor fishing, boating and other water activities, especially for visitors to the area.

It appears that the revenue received will not be put back into better facilities for the community, but simply go into the additional administrative costs and for the benefit of the outside consultants involved in the process.