Application 124771 - Ministry of Fisheries

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4.5.8 The capacity of the wharf to accommodate the proposed increase in product from
the extension to the existing farm (and cumulatively from other extensions in the
area being applied for), is assessed as being adequate. Existing industry operators
currently manage the use of the facility in accordance with the operational
management plan 2 (which addresses issues such as traffic control, loading and
carpark manoeuvring and locations and storage of equipment). This assessment
is based on the current tonnage crossing the wharf being estimated at
approximately 25,000 tonnes 3 and an expectation that the wharf can adequately
accommodate at least 35,000 tonnes 4 . Notwithstanding the recently approved
quantities anticipated from Wilsons Bay Area B developments, it is considered
that there is currently sufficient capacity to accommodate the cumulative product
from the anticipated farm extensions. It is anticipated that any effects resulting
from more tonnage from the proposed one hectare extension will be no more
than minor over and above the existing tonnage.
4.5.9 There would be no additional traffic associated with the loading/ unloading
activities of vessels and trucks servicing the area of the farm extension, as the
applicant would be utilising existing vessels/ trucks and other services, as
currently used to service the existing farm. Therefore, residents close to the
wharf and visitors to it will not be adversely affected by the activities associated
with the proposed one hectare extension. It is noted that the traffic and wharf
activities that were anticipated by the Area B applications were of no concern to
NZ Transport Authority nor to Thames Coromandel District Council. It is therefore
concluded that the effects from the 1 hectare extension being applied for would
also be acceptable to both organisations.
4.5.10 The applicant therefore considers that the existing facilities are available to and
can adequately be used for servicing the one hectare marine farm extension,
given that the applicant is an existing operator and will be utilising existing vessels
and existing trucks, and there is an existing wharf management protocol in place.
4.5.11 The applicant notes that the Hauraki-Coromandel Development Group and
Thames Coromandel District Council is currently working on future wharfing
infrastructure requirements to support the Coromandel aquaculture industry.
Likewise Waikato Regional Council aims to address this matter in accordance with
its Regional Land Transport Strategy 2011 - 2041, along with policy work relating
to aquaculture growth in the region. It is clear that a strategic approach to
planning for aquaculture infrastructure (as anticipated by the above work) is
taking place and should occur independently of this application.
2 Te Kouma Sugar Loaf Landing Facility Coromandel Harbour: Operational Management Plan 1993 & draft 2011
3 Dunbar-Smith, B., for the Hauraki Coromandel Development Group, 2010.Wharfing Infrastructure Discussion Document, p18
4 Ibid, pp 6, 24
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