Key features of the project included multi-use wharf facilities, a new sea wall and berthage, sand blasting facilities, workshop space and public access to parts of the site.
It was disappointing to see the Bay's civic leaders shy away from a bold move to stimulate the local economy.
While there is an obvious need to be judicious with civic funds, and this newspaper would certainly criticise a lackadaisical approach to funding any project, the $7 million marine precinct is surely worthy of a business case.
The Port of Tauranga is already New Zealand's premier export shipping gateway.
The prospect of a marine precinct could breathe fresh stimulation into the local economy at a time when the kiwifruit industry is fighting the devastating PsaV bacteria and the ghastly wreck of the Rena remains perched on Astrolabe Reef.
Some councillors baulked at the sale of $3 million of council-owned property to help fund the project, while others said they didn't believe money previously earmarked for debt reduction should pay for a project which would not reap certain economic reward.
These are valid concerns, but the preparation of a business case would take a lot of the guess work out of an eventual decision and lay the facts bare.
This is no time for a limp approach and no time to be crippled by caution.
The council got it wrong this week and should take a much closer look at this project.
