Plans for public boat trailer parking in Acacia Bay a step closer now historic heads of agreement has been signed

Representatives from Taupo District Council and Hiruharama Ponui Incorporation today signed an Agreement which will pave the way for public boat trailer parking to be provided at one of the busiest boat ramps in Taupo

The Whangaroa Boat Ramp in Acacia Bay is one of the busiest boat ramps in Taupo and congestion is only expected to increase in future. Plans to upgrade and extend the boat ramp to deal with demand will see the available parking areas, which are very limited, under even greater pressure. In addition, visitors to the lakeside recreational reserve and picnic area are at risk from reversing vehicles.

These issues make the Heads of Agreement signed today by Council and representatives from the Hiruharama Ponui Incorporation, which has been a work in progress for over twenty years, very significant. TKMP Chairman, Clr Kathryn Uvhagen says she feels this historic signing is positive not only in terms of the benefits it will bring to boat users, but also in terms of the spirit of co-operation and collaboration between Council and the Hiruharama Ponui Inc. “The proposal was first floated about twenty years ago so to finally get to this point is a testament to the enduring efforts made by both parties to bring it to fruition and it is very rewarding to be a part of it.” she said.

“Now that we have an agreement with Hiruharama Ponui Incorporated, we can look at developing the land that we are leasing from them to provide adequate off-road parking. We need to put an end to the year-round confusion and danger of boat trailers parked hazardously on berms and on roadsides,” said Clr Uvhagen

Mr Andrew Kusabs representing the Hiruharama Ponui Incorporation said “The Incorporation has a good working relationship with the Taupo District Council. The Heads of Agreement that was signed today is one of a number of initiatives that have taken place between us during the recent past. This lease and the sale of land by the Incorporation to allow the upgrading of Wakeman road and the picnic reserve opposite the proposed new facility will greatly enhance the enjoyment of the area by the citizens of Taupo as well as its many visitors.”

Design plans have been drawn up for around 50 spaces to cope with the demand.