THE defunct Upokongaro Jetty will be rebuilt.
Underwriting funds for the jetty, to a maximum of $25,000, will come from the 2005-06 local initiatives budget.
The outcome was declared at yesterday's Wanganui District Council finance and administration meeting after being seconded by all councillors at the meeting.
Mayor Michael Laws said the jetty
project would proceed "immediately".
Councillor Don McGregor said it was "terrific" to see the project happening, as there had been ongoing problems for some time.
Cr Randhir Dahya said the Waimarie had to have a destination to be successful and it would be excellent for tourism.
The jetty's future has been up in the air for years, with a meeting held in September 2003 between the Wanganui District Council, Waimarie Trust and members of the Upokongaro business community.
Issues were raised about the safety and reliability of an old privately-owned pontoon that was being used by PS Waimarie to dock at Upokongaro.
Village resident Wendy Pettigrew said the decision by the council to fund the jetty was "good news".
Mike Skelton, a resident and Upokongaro community and district trust member, was also excited by the news, which he believed would open a lot of doors, including financial, for the village.
"That's excellent. A lot of people will think it's a very pro-active and positive step. The whole thing has been quite a long process. A lot of potential still exists ? the Waimarie people will be really chuffed."
It was also great for Waimarie passengers, who would be able to stretch their legs and enjoy the surroundings. The trust could now be "re-activated", with members re-elected.
"Maybe one day when there's enough frequency on the river I can go by river to work," Mr Skelton said.
Cr Sue Westwood said it was pleasing to see the joint effort project go ahead.
Mr Laws agreed the jetty would provide some real economic development for the residents of Upokongaro.
The total estimated cost of $104,000 will come from the Enhancement Trust ($15,000+GST), Whanganui Community Foundation ($5,000), Powerco Trust ($15,000) and Wanganui District Council ($50,000). An application of $25,000 to the Ministry of Tourism is still pending but council was confident of receiving this money.
