Have your say on management of coast

The city council is asking for community feedback ahead of a review of its Coastal Reserves Management Plan (CRMP), which looks after the coastal area of the Western Bay and how it should be maintained, developed or left alone.

The new management plan will cover Pilot Bay, Mount Drury and all of the coast from Mount Main Beach to the far end of Papamoa. Mauao is not included as it has a separate management plan.

The CRMP was introduced in 1997 and was overdue for review, said council recreation planner Stephanie Wheeler.

"There are a few issues that need to be addressed, and we would like the community to have input into what they want to see and how they feel about the area.

"Whether they still feel the same and still want the same things as they used to is unclear and we won't know until we undergo this public consultation. So until we've gone through this process, it's hard to know how to go forward."

Some of the issues in the review cover trees and the damage they cause, dune management, whether there are enough public toilets and barbecues, and weed control.

One way to have your say is going to Tauranga City Council website and completing the survey. You can also send a submission directly to the council.

There will also be three drop-in days from 10am-2pm - Mount Drury on February 2, Tay St on February 9, and Papamoa Domain on February 16.

Ms Wheeler said it was important people gave their opinions on how the council can improve the coastal area. The information received would not be treated as formal submissions but would help staff prepare the draft management plan.

"The coastal reserve is such an important part of our community in terms of our open space network across Tauranga city. Even if you don't live in Mount Maunganui, it's an area that many people enjoy ... and we value everyone's opinion on how we can make it a better place for the future."

The survey will close on February 18.

Ms Wheeler said once the council had received public comment, a draft plan would be prepared and go out to formal public consultation, which is anticipated to be at the end of April or early May.

To have your say, visit the council website, www.tauranga.govt.nz.