Stop banks Kopu bridge unrealised tourism assets

Firth of Thames stop banks and Kopu Bridge - potential tourism assets

The Kopu Bridge and mangrove-fringed stopbanks along the Firth of Thames could form a new cycleway and walking trail according to district mayors.

Hauraki Mayor John Tregidga, Thames-Coromandel Mayor Philippa Barriball and Franklin Mayor Mark Ball have all welcomed a tourism development vision and restoration action plan released today by the Muddy Feet Project.

It suggests the 20 km of stopbanks, managed by Environment Waikato and Hauraki District Council for flood protection purposes, could be opened up for biking and walking, thereby linking natural features between Kaiaua and Thames.

“Walking and biking trails in places like Banks Peninsula and Central Otago have shown how trails can revitalise rural economies,” said Hauraki Mayor John Tregidga.

“A cycle and walkway along the Southern Firth of Thames would link together hot pools, seabird viewing sites, education and accommodation providers and create new tourism service opportunities.”

Thames-Coromandel Mayor Philippa Barriball said “the stunning designs of the new Kopu Bridge and its walkway will join the other iconic elements of this potential tourism experience. Linking the eastern side of the Firth will provide opportunities to complete the Kopu-Thames walkway, as well as a necessary link for the Hauraki Rail Trail which will connect Paeroa and Kopu. ”

Franklin Mayor Mark Ball said the sight of thousands of migratory shorebirds feeding and nesting along the Firth coast backed by the Coromandel range, deserved iconic status. “An integrated eco-tourism development plan is the best way to manage pressures on this fragile environment and create economic benefits.”

The Muddy Feet Project – whose steering group comprises volunteers and officers from local authorities and government departments - researched other successful tourism initiatives elsewhere in New Zealand and believes current visitor numbers and tourism revenue could be doubled using similar strategies.

Convenor Bill Brownell said the group prepared its tourism development vision with help from Wellington-based Tourism Resource Consultants last year, but the Prime Minister’s recent support for a national cycleway, and the announcement to fast-track replacement of the 81-year-old Kopu Bridge, makes the initiative even more relevant.

The Muddy Feet Project has encouraged research-based management of the internationally recognised wetland and bird habitat of the Firth of Thames for 10 years. The restoration action plan and tourism development vision has been published to help central, local government and economic development agencies prioritise their investments in the region.

“Our vision is for recreation and education facilities that excite visitors, helping them appreciate and get involved in necessary restoration work,” said Bill Brownell. “Tiritiri Matangi and the Otago Peninsula Trust prove the model nationally, while the Miranda Shorebird Centre, which receives 50,000 visitors per year, and the Ecoquest Education Foundation field centre in Kaiaua, which hosts international university students, show it’s working here.”

Muddy Feet’s Phase 3 restoration action plan and ecotourism development vision is available at http://www.arc.govt.nz/albany/fms/main/Documents/Environment/Coastal%20and%20marine/Muddy%20Feet%20Phase%203%20-%20restoration%20action%20plan.pdf