Coastal Reserve Management Plan

Published on 21 December 2018

Whanganui District Council’s management plan for Castlecliff’s Coastal Reserve has been adopted after extensive community consultation.

Council Policy Planner, Victoria Edmonds says 39 submissions were received, with 14 submitters presenting in person to the Council.

She says, “The Castlecliff Coastal Reserve Management Plan provides an outline of the Council’s aspirations and intentions for the use, development, maintenance, protection and preservation of Castlecliff Reserve.

“We gathered excellent feedback from the community, meeting with people early on in the process and then receiving a good number of quality submissions.”

In November a community meeting was held in Castlecliff, attended by Whanganui District Council officers, Jamie Waugh of Progress Castlecliff and Ed Atkins of ECoast Ltd. A stall at the UCOL open day provided an opportunity to involve students.     

Cr Jenny Duncan, Deputy Mayor says a considerable number of changes were made to the plan as a direct result of public submissions.

She says, “The contributions we’ve had from the community have made a tangible difference to the plan.

“Some of the changes include looking at whether there is enough shade in the Reserve, ensuring there is provision for water fountains, and adding native flora and fauna lists. It was important that any history about mana whenua was only provided by mana whenua, so that narrative will be added at a later date.”

In response to a large number of submissions related to vehicle access to the beach, the Council is currently consulting on a possible reduction in the speed limit on Castlecliff beach.  This consultation is open until 4.00pm on Friday, 8 February 2019. Please visit www.whanganui.govt.nz/haveyoursay for more information and to make a submission.

ENDS