Public meeting to discuss vehicle access to the beach at Ruakaka

WDC will be holding a public meeting at Ruakaka Recreation Centre on Wednesday 17 December to discuss a proposal to move the beach access for vehicles at Ruakaka.

Council is proposing that the current beach access near the Racecourse is closed and a new ‘soft’ access way will be developed at Te Kamo Road. (see diagram)

WDC Group Manager District Living, Paul Dell said that the community at Ruakaka village approached us several years ago with safety concerns about vehicles on the beach in front of the village as they travel to and from the racecourse entrance.

“We have been working closely with the Northland Regional Council and the Department of Conservation to look at the best option that will provide safe vehicle and pedestrian access and dune restoration,” he said.

A proposal has been developed to build a new "soft" access way at Te Kamo Road to allow 4WD and ATV access only. The new minimalist entrance is designed to have the least impact on the environment which means it may be impacted in adverse weather, but it will allow safer access to the beach and for beach goers.

“The existing vehicle entrance at the Racecourse will be closed and the dunes will be restored, we will also provide better pedestrian access and car parking,” said Mr Dell.

“We also need to ensure that the changes are in line with our Vehicles on Beaches bylaw so we will be proposing an amendment to it which will include a "safe zone" from the new access south to the Ruakaka river inlet.

“Any changes to the bylaw are subject to a full consultation process but we will propose a ban of vehicles from this ‘safe zone’ in the same way as they are currently banned in front of the surf club,” Mr Dell said.

This matter will be discussed at a public meeting chaired by Her Worship the Mayor at the Ruakaka Recreation Centre at 5.00pm on Wednesday 17 December.

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