MANAWATU RIVER USERS' ADVISORY GROUP AGENDA

Transcription

1 I hereby give notice that an ordinary meeting of the will be held on: Date: Time: Venue: Tuesday, 7 June pm Tararua Room Horizons Regional Council Victoria Avenue, Palmerston North MANAWATU RIVER USERS' ADVISORY GROUP AGENDA MEMBERSHIP Chair Cr LR Burnell, QSM Members of the Public Michael McCartney Chief Executive Contact Telephone: help@horizons.govt.nz Postal Address: Private Bag 11025, Palmerston North 4442 Full Agendas are available on Horizons Regional Council website Note: The reports contained within this agenda are for consideration and should not be construed as Council policy unless and until adopted. Items in the agenda may be subject to amendment or withdrawal at the meeting.

2 for further information regarding this agenda, please contact: Julie Kennedy, CONTACTS 24 hr Freephone : help@horizons.govt.nz SERVICE CENTRES Kairanga Cnr Rongotea & Kairanga-Bunnythorpe Rds, Palmerston North Marton Hammond Street Taumarunui 34 Maata Street Woodville Cnr Vogel (SH2) & Tay Sts REGIONAL HOUSES Palmerston North Victoria Avenue Wanganui 181 Guyton Street DEPOTS Levin 11 Bruce Road Taihape Torere Road Ohotu POSTAL ADDRESS FAX Horizons Regional Council, Private Bag 11025, Manawatu Mail Centre, Palmerston North 4442

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 Apologies and Leave of Absence 5 2 Confirmation of Minutes meeting, 1 December Harbourmaster's Report Report No: Lower Manawatu Scheme (LMS) - River Management Update Report No: Calendar of Events Report No: Guest Speaker: Dr Jon Roygard, Group Manager Natural Resources and Partnership Group, Horizons Regional Council Manawatu River Leaders Accord Manawatu River Clean-up Fund 7 General Business 8 Next Meeting Provisionally Tuesday, 6 December 2016 Page 3

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5 AGENDA 1 Apologies and Leave of Absence At the close of the Agenda no apologies had been received. Page 5

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7 Minutes of a meeting of the held at Tararua Room, Horizons Regional Council, Victoria Avenue, Palmerston North, at 7.00pm on Tuesday 1 December PRESENT IN ATTENDANCE Crs LR Burnell, QSM (Chair), R Campbell, M Feyen (Horowhenua District Council), Messrs I Taylor (Manawatu Fresh Water Anglers Club / Honorary Enforcement Officer), B Culley (River Warden), D Collin (Manawatu Marine Boat Club), M Reid (Fish and Game), B Sprozen, D McAdam, K Dunlop (Manawatu Power Boat Club), R Anderson (Jetboating New Zealand), K Lane (Manawatu Estuary Trust), Ms C Hanning (Manawatu Power Boat Club). Councillor Area Engineer Harbourmaster Committee Secretary PJ Kelly Mr P Joseph Mr E Lloyd Mrs JA Kennedy The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting. APOLOGIES Moved Burnell/Campbell That the Manawatu River Users Advisory Group: receives an apology from Cr J Mason (Horowhenua District Council). CARRIED CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES Moved That the Committee: Burnell/Campbell confirms the minutes of the meeting held on 2 June 2015 as a correct record, and notes that the recommendations were adopted by the Council on 30 June CARRIED HARBOURMASTER'S REPORT Report No This report provided Members of the Manawatu River Users Advisory Group (MRUAG) with an update on matters relating to navigation and safety on the Manawatu River and its tributaries. Mr Lloyd (Harbourmaster) presented the activities as outlined at paragraph 7 of his report. He confirmed that thank you letters had been sent to Coastguard Manawatu and Manawatu Marine Boating Club thanking them for their support in the Council s administration of navigation and safety on the Manawatu River. He noted that several signs washed away in the June 2015 flood event had now been replaced. Page 7

8 The Chair read out an from Cr Mason (Horowhenua District Council) who was unable to attend the meeting. She commented on a number of rowing activities taking place on the river, and thanked Mr Paul Joseph (Area Engineer) for his help and assistance given to the Horowhenua District Council with the development of their Shared Pathway Strategy. In regard to a change to the Bylaw in 2010 which allowed jet boats to enter the city limits of the Manawatu River in the winter months, there was discussion and comment about the viability of allowing jet boats year round access through the city limits and what, if any, safety restrictions would need to be put in place, in particular to protect recreational swimmers. Members discussed the recent New Zealand National Kiteboard event held at the Manawatu Estuary. It was generally agreed that the event was well organised. Moved Campbell/Burnell That the Committee recommends that Council: a. receives the information contained in Report No CARRIED LOWER MANAWATU SCHEME (LMS) - RIVER MANAGEMENT UPDATE Report No This item informed Members of the Manawatu River Users Advisory Group of the Lower Manawatu Scheme management issues that might have some impact on the recreational use of the river during the period December 2015 to June Mr Joseph (Area Engineer Central) tabled photographs depicting damage at various locations from the June 2015 flood event. He took Members through the report, provided further information where relevant, and responded to Members questions on various activities. In referring to the project works for Anzac Cliffs, he said Members were welcome to attend a site visit to be held at 2.00pm on Wednesday 13 January, Comment was made about metal extraction works at Ohau and the changed outlook to Kimberley Reserve. A request was made for the intent of the works to be investigated. In response to Members comments and discussions, Mr Joseph explained the operations of the Moutoa spillway gates. In mentioning the Foxton River Loop, there was positive comment made about a suggested approach for alternative engineering investigations to be made into the feasibility of opening the Loop. Moved Burnell/Campbell That the Committee recommends that Council: a. receives the information contained in Report No CARRIED CALENDAR OF EVENTS Report No This report presented the Manawatu River Calendar of Events to the Manawatu River Users Advisory Group for information. Mr Lloyd outlined the upcoming events as detailed in paragraph 6.1 to 6.5, and responded to Members questions of clarification. There was discussion and positive comment on the upgrade work undertaken to the Manawatu Page 8

9 boat ramp. An issue was raised with a railway iron which was hidden in the water. Further discussion ensued about sediment build-up at the Whirokino boat ramp and were there any suggestions on how to deal with it. It was noted that the boat ramp was the responsibility of Horowhenua District Council. Moved Burnell/Campbell That the Committee recommends that Council: a. receives the information contained in Report No CARRIED GENERAL BUSINESS Mr Lane read out an item which he said appeared in the Dominion Post entitled Untreatable Infections Loom after a Superbug Breakthrough. Mr Lane believed with continued sewerage entering our waterways, they would in future become classified as unsuitable for recreation. Mr Sprozen (Manawatu Power Boat Club) advised of the Club s intention to run events at different areas of the Manawatu River, and more often. He asked if there were any objections or issues associated with how the Club used the River. If there were any historic concerns he would like to address them. Mr Lloyd (Harbourmaster) confirmed there were no complaints received. There were no objections from attendees at the meeting. Mr Sprozen was advised to liaise with the Manawatu Estuary Trust in regard to holding events in that area. The meeting closed at 9.10pm. Confirmed HARBOURMASTER CHAIRMAN Page 9

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11 Item 3 Report No Information Only - No Decision Required HARBOURMASTER'S REPORT 1. PURPOSE 1.1. The purpose of this report is to provide members of the Manawatu River Users Advisory Group (MRUAG) with an update on matters relating to navigation and safety on the Manawatu River and its tributaries 2. RECOMMENDATION That the Committee recommends that Council: a. receives the information contained in Report No FINANCIAL IMPACT 3.1. There is no direct financial impact arising from matters discussed in this item. 4. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 4.1. This is a public item and therefore Council may deem this matter sufficient to inform the public. 5. SIGNIFICANT BUSINESS RISK IMPACT 5.1. There is no significant business risk from matters discussed in this item. 6. BACKGROUND 6.1. This report covers the period 17 November 2015 to 18 May RIVER EVENTS 7.1. Manawatu Marine Boating Club held their Spring Fishing Contest on Saturday 28 November The annual meeting and BBQ for honorary enforcement officers and support organisations was held at the Manawatu Marine Boating Club on 8 December A raft race was run through the Manawatu Gorge on Saturday 6 February This event was privately arranged and advertised on Facebook with several hundred participants taking part in 120 rafts. The race started at the Woodville Ferry Reserve with the takeout point at Ashhurst. The Te Apiti Manawatu Biodiversity Group became involved later in the planning process because of their desire to ensure recreation in the Gorge is managed in a proper and responsible manner. Local authority members contributed to specific aspects of the event such as traffic management (Palmerston North City Council), temporary river reservation (Horizons Regional Council), and port-a-loos and post-event clean-up (Tararua District Council). Police provided additional traffic policing. None of the authorities involved required the organisers to make an application to run the event, making it difficult for them to influence navigation safety outcomes in any meaningful way. Harbourmaster's Report Page 11

12 Item The School of Military Engineering, New Zealand Defence Force, from Linton Army Camp conducted Waterborne Training at Whirokino over the period March The Manawatu Power Boat Club held the MTF Kapiti 45 th Gold Cup Power Boat Regatta on the weekend of 19-20th March 2016 at Whirokino. A temporary reservation of the area was granted to facilitate the Club s management of safety during the event. 8. The Easter Fishing Tournament was held by Manawatu Marine Boating Club over the period March On 3 April 2016 NZ Red Cross ran a rubber ducky race to raise funds for local programmes. The ducks were launched into the river near the Centennial Drive car park and recovered at the finish line near the Okatia Steps below Fitzherbert Bridge The Manawatu Marine Boating Club Sailing Programme ran through the summer and concluded on 9 April Duck shooting season commenced on Saturday 7 May A public notice was placed in local papers advising of the speed restriction on the river during the period one week prior to and one week following opening day in accordance with the Manawatu River and Tributaries Navigation and Safety Bylaw GENERAL COMMENT 9.1. The 5-knot signs upstream and downstream of the Manawatu Marine Boating Club launching ramp have been stood back up and secured. Thanks to Mr Ian Pederson for completing this work Coastguard Manawatu have manufactured and positioned new bar markers after the old ones were lost in the June 2015 flood. The new markers are bigger and more robust. Horizons Regional Council has reimbursed Coastguard for the work and thanks them for their ongoing support A new webcam is to be installed at the mouth of the Manawatu River in a joint venture between Horizons Regional Council and the Manawatu Marine Boating Club. The webcam will be located on the Waiterere side of the river and will help to improve safety by providing boaties with a real-time view of the river mouth on which to base decisions before leaving home. The existing webcam overlooking the launching ramp at Foxton Beach will also be upgraded with work expected to be completed by the end of May. 10. SIGNIFICANCE This is not a significant decision according to the Council s Policy on Significance and Engagement. Evan Lloyd RISK MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR Ged Shirley GROUP MANAGER REGIONAL SERVICES AND INFORMATION ANNEXES There are no attachments for this report. Harbourmaster's Report Page 12

13 Item 4 Report No Information Only - No Decision Required LOWER MANAWATU SCHEME (LMS) - RIVER MANAGEMENT UPDATE 1. PURPOSE 1.1. The purpose of this item is to inform members of the Manawatu River Users Advisory Group (MRUAG) of the Lower Manawatu Scheme (LMS) management issues that may have some impact on the recreational use of the river during the period June 2016 to December RECOMMENDATION That the Committee recommends that Council: a. receives the information contained in Report No FINANCIAL IMPACT 3.1. There is no direct financial impact arising from matters discussed in this item. 4. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 4.1. This is a public item and therefore Council may deem this sufficient to inform the public. 5. DISCUSSION 5.1. This reporting period has seen works programmes being re-prioritised due to the damage caused by the heavy rainfall event that occurred on June Work has been progressing well, with the majority of flood damage repairs being completed before the wet weather has set in The rock lining at ANZAC Park Cliffs has been completed. The reshaping of the Cliff above the rock lining however is still to be completed. Works have been suspended for the winter months but as soon as river levels allow, works will recommence on this project. Once that work has advanced sufficiently there will be no requirement for river crossing but the work is not yet at that point Construction of the rock lining at the Esplanade Reserve in Palmerston North has been completed and the shared path has been reopened. Delays in rock supply extended this work beyond the time staff expected that is would take Horizons are assisting Palmerston North City Council (PNCC) with the development and construction of the Shared Pathway on the left bank of the Manawatu River through the City. The path is a joint venture between PNCC, Linton Army Camp, Massey University, Rangitaane Iwi and Horizons Regional Council (HRC). The contractor has started constructing the path between Fitzherbert Bridge and the Tiritea Stream, which will eventually link the new bridge across the Manawatu River with Linton Army Camp and the Massey University campus As part of the City Reach project, Horizons are proposing to construct a further recreational access / amenity enhancement element in the form of a river access and launching ramp for Waka and Kayak / Canoe users. The detailed nature of the facility and its location Lower Manawatu Scheme (LMS) - River Management Update Page 13

14 Item 4 within the City Reach of the Manawatu River is still to be decided, and will be influenced by the location of the new bridge when that is known, but two possible sites have been proposed, being Albert Street and Maxwells Line During the next six months, contractors will also be engaged at various sites on the Manawatu River to undertake vegetation management work. The majority of these sites are in the rural areas, in particular in the lower reaches of the Manawatu below the Foxton- Shannon Road Bridge and through the City. These works will be undertaken from the river banks. Any disruption to recreational river users should be minor and staff will endeavour to keep any impacts to a minimum Railway irons from old river protection works are still being discovered in the Manawatu and the Oroua Rivers. Whenever these are found, the River Management Group will remove them as soon as conditions allow. River users are urged to remain vigilant for these hazards when using the river, especially given the significant erosion that occurred in the June event. Particular care must be exercised in the Manawatu River at the Ashhurst Domain and at the Hoult s quarry, situated on the left bank opposite Te Matai Road. Ashhurst is a popular recreational spot where significant bank erosion has resulted in a series of railway irons (driven as tie backs for old bank protection work) now standing deep in the river, 15 m from the bank. All visible irons have been removed, however there is a chance that some irons may have been missed and care must be taken in this area. 6. SIGNIFICANT BUSINESS RISK IMPACT 6.1. There is no significant business risk impact from matters discussed in this item. 7. SIGNIFICANCE 7.1. This is not a significant decision according to the Council s Policy on Significance and Engagement. Paul Joseph AREA ENGINEER CENTRAL ANNEXES There are no attachments to this report. Lower Manawatu Scheme (LMS) - River Management Update Page 14

15 Item 5 Report No Information Only - No Decision Required CALENDAR OF EVENTS 1. PURPOSE 1.1. This report presents the Manawatu River Calendar of Events to the Manawatu River Users Advisory Group for information. 2. RECOMMENDATION That the Committee recommends that Council: a. receives the information contained in Report No FINANCIAL IMPACT 3.1. There is no direct financial impact arising from matters discussed in this item. 4. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 4.1. This is a public item and therefore Council may deem this to be sufficient to advise the public. 5. SIGNIFICANT BUSINESS RISK IMPACT 5.1. There is no significant business risk from matters discussed in this item. 6. UPCOMING EVENTS 6.1. The Manawatu Power Boat Club are to hold a 'Test and Tune Day' on Sunday 12th June 2016 at Whirokino. A temporary reservation of the river at Whirokino has been requested The Ruahine Whitewater Club have their annual Foxton Loop Race scheduled for Saturday 1 October No other events have been notified or were known about at the time of writing. 7. SIGNIFICANCE 7.1. This is not a significant decision according to the Council s Policy on Significance and Engagement. Evan Lloyd RISK MANAGEMENT COORDINATOR Ged Shirley GROUP MANAGER REGIONAL SERVICES AND INFORMATION ANNEXES There are no attachments for this report. Calendar of events Page 15