Sustainable business network backs Mt Reef project

Media Release Tuesday 14th June 2005

Sustainable business network backs Mount Reef project

The Bay of Plenty Sustainable Business Network (SBN) has thrown its support behind the Mount Reef project, which guarantees to provide a host of sustainable business opportunities according to SBN Regional Manager Calum Revfem.

"This project is an innovative example of sustainable development with clear economic, environmental and social benefits."

The Mount Reef Trust have spent the last nine months working through a lengthy tender process for a construction method that minimises risks and keeps costs manageable. They have identified a novel modular method of construction that reduces the construction time from 3 months to approximately 3 weeks.

Now on the verge of ordering the massive geotextile bags and committing to construction in mid September, the Trust is hoping the local community will rally behind the project and stump up with the final funds required to begin construction of New Zealand's first artificial surfing reef.

The reef is designed and constructed by innovative Raglan company ASR Limited, an international consultancy at the cutting edge of coastal protection and marine modelling. It will be New Zealand's first artificial surf reef and it will provide a wide range of study and research opportunities for students from throughout the country.
Environmental impacts of the reef's construction are managed through an Environment Bay of Plenty (EBOP) resource consent process. ASR Limited work closely with EBOP and are specialists in developing artificial surf reefs that create marine protection zones. The sustainable economic benefit of the reef through visitor spending and major events is between 20-70 times the investment required to design and construct the reef.

SBN are hosting a business event to promote the sustainable benefits of the Mount Reef project on Thursday 23rd June. The event will include a presentation from David Neilson, the Trust Executive Officer, on the latest construction methodology, video footage and photos from the wave pool. It is being promoted as a great opportunity for local businesses to ask questions and find out more about getting involved.

For more information about the event call the SBN office on 575 9266.

ENDS.

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