Riverbank walkway development continues

The latest addition to the Whanganui Riverbank walkway links Balgownie Avenue to the riverbank.

Community Development Committee Chair Cr Nicki Higgie says the newly-opened walkway extension runs alongside AFFCO as far as the end of Beach Road.

"The addition was made possible after we reached agreement with AFFCO to access the riverbank across its land and we greatly appreciate their co-operation to allow us to move ahead with this project," Cr Higgie said.

"An earlier agreement with Prospace Designs NZ enabled the walkway to access Bedford Avenue from the riverbank, a link which was opened a few months ago.

"The whole walkway project has been made possible with the assistance of various philanthropic trusts and a number of individuals have donated money for seats along the riverbank. The walkway is a great asset for our community and it is wonderful to see it being further extended."

The work has been carried out by the Council's Community Projects Team (CPT). The labour costs of the CPT are partially subsidised by Work and Income.

People can now walk or cycle from the City Marina along the riverbank as far as Bedford Avenue. From there, they can proceed along Bedford Avenue, Kings Avenue and into Balgownie Avenue.

Near the end of Balgownie Avenue a new path has been constructed over the AFFCO land which leads back down to the riverbank. The shellrock walkway continues a further 700 metres downstream, between AFFCO's perimeter fence and the riverbank, until it reaches the intersection of Karoro Road and Beach Road.

The route will be signposted in the New Year. (This map shows the route).

Next year the walkway will proceed along the riverbank, through an area that has been planted over the years with hundreds of native trees and flaxes, toward the Wanganui Yacht Club.

After a successful trial period, the Whanganui Regional Museum has decided to continue free entry for local people.

The small entry charge that had been in place for a number of years was dropped during the redevelopment of the Museum foyer and toilets in 2004. Local visitation increased substantially during that time. It was clear that the entry charge had been a barrier to many.

"It has always been our goal to make the Museum as accessible to our local community as possible and we want that to continue, after all they support us financially through their local government rates," Museum Director Sharon Dell said.

However, all visitors to Wanganui will be charged. The admission price has been set low in comparison with similar attractions. It is just $5 per adult with children free. The revenue from admissions is needed to maintain the Museum's programmes and helps to develop services to visitors. As an example, a new set of postcards has just been published and more merchandise is planned.

"We are confident that our Museum is of international standard, and therefore charging national and international visitors will not put them off coming," Sharon Dell said.

The charge of $5 for national and international adults began on Monday, December 19.

People intending to use Lake Wiritoa should be aware that various organisations have approval for exclusive use of the lake at certain times.

Wanganui Water Ski Club has exclusive use on Tuesday and Thursday nights (5.00pm - dusk) and Sunday morning (dawn - 12.00pm).

Wanganui Jet Skiers have exclusive use on Wednesday nights (5.00pm - dusk).

Wanganui Radio Control Boat Club has exclusive use on Wednesday afternoons (12.00pm - 5.00pm).

The lake is not available for public use at these times.

Vacancies

Roading Manager
Applications close 28 February 2006

Executive Assistant
Applications close 8 January 2006

Permanent Part-Time Member: Frontline-Circulation Services Team (Library)
Applications close 3.00pm, 8 January 2006

The following are the closures for the Wanganui District Council for the 2005/06 Christmas and New Year Holiday period. However, you can still contact us at any time on phone 349 0001.

Municipal Office Building
The Municipal Office Building will be open on Thursday, 29 December 2005, and Friday, 30 December 2005. The opening hours will be 8.00am to 5.00pm.

The building will then close from 5.00pm on Friday, 30 December 2005, to Tuesday, 3 January 2006 inclusive. Normal opening hours of 8.00am to 5.00pm will resume on Wednesday, 4 January 2006.

Information Centre Phone 349 0508, Fax 349 0509

Davis Central City Library
Library services over the period 29 December 2005 to 5 January 2006 will be as follows:

Mobile Branch Library

Alexander Heritage and Research Library

Sarjeant Gallery

Usual opening hours of 10.30am - 4.30pm Monday to Sunday and public holidays

Royal Wanganui Opera House Booking Office

Normal hours of 9.30am - 5.30pm resume from Tuesday, 24 January 2006.

War Memorial Hall

For all booking enquires contact Kala Flack, (06) 349 1655 or 021 720449.

Whanganui Regional Museum

Usual opening hours of 10.00am - 4.30pm Monday to Sunday and public holidays

Whanganui Regional Museum Archives hours of operation are 10.00am - 1.00pm, Monday to Friday. Archives are closed on weekends and public holidays.

Refuse Collection - New Year
Normal refuse collection.
Refuse should be placed at kerbside no later than 8.00am on your normal collection days.

Recycling
The 'SaveMart' Wanganui Recycling Centre in Peat Street, opposite the netball courts, is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to take your cardboard, newspapers, plastic bottles, aluminium cans, steel cans and textiles. Free drop-off.

After hours services are listed in the telephone directory under 'Wanganui District Council'.

Rapid deterioration of the old control tower at Wanganui Airport means that demolition is a likelihood.

Before this decision is taken, we are canvassing interest in alternatives and therefore invite expressions of interest in redevelopment of the tower.

Expressions of interest should include your proposals on:

• timing;
• availability of funding;
• redevelopment concept;
• business and financial credentials.

Expressions of interest should be in writing and be lodged no later than 31 January 2006.

Please address replies to:

Mr Kieron Clarke
Chairman
Wanganui Airport Management Board
PO Box 637
Wanganui