The newly upgraded Bluff Boat Ramp will be ready to use, just in time for summer fun on the water.

Invercargill City Council has been upgrading the Bluff Boat Ramp as part of its commitment in the 2021 Long-term Plan.

Stage One, the installation of the Eastern and Western Pontoons, will be wrapped up completely in the new year, and Stage Two will begin, which includes scoping out car parking, toilets, and a fish processing area.

The Western Pontoon has been completed and is open for public use, while the Eastern Pontoon and jetty have been installed and can be used over the festive season with just some finishing touches to be completed in the new year.

Council Manager for Parks and Recreation Caroline Rain said while there was still some minor work to be completed, for the most part, the pontoons could be used.

“The Eastern Jetty can be used for foot traffic but because the bracing is incomplete, we ask that vessels be berthed on the Eastern Pontoon or the Western structure instead.

“We will have contractors back on site early next year to finish the Eastern Jetty, and also fill in a hole at the base of the ramp, which becomes apparent just below the low tide mark,” she said.

Following the completion of Stage One, there would be an official opening, which would also be when user fees are introduced for anyone launching their boat from the ramp, Rain said.

“The money from these fees will go directly back into the operation of the boat ramp, to pay for the annual maintenance, repair, depreciating and consenting requirements.”

Licence plate recognition will be installed at the ramp and users will be able to pay for permits via Tap n Go at the ramp, the Pay My Park app, on the Council website, at the Bluff Service Centre or Te Hīnaki Civic Building.

Annual permits for boats under 6 metres will be $140, while annual permits for boats 6m and over will be $195. One-off casual use permits will be $25. There will be a period of education on the new charges followed up by monitoring for compliance.

“These fees were introduced after consultation with the Bluff Boat Ramp Stakeholder Group and is supported by the Bluff Community Board and Invercargill City Council,” Rain said.

“We are so excited that the first stage of this ambitious project is about to wrap up. We know it is something the Bluff community and boaties have been asking for and we’re proud to be able to deliver it.”