Harington Point Community Society committee member and project co-ordinator Jim Shanks said the board’s decision had left him "over the moon", and the grant had given the tanks project a big boost.
The society was also seeking funds elsewhere, and he was hopeful the two tanks could be installed by June next year, at the latest. The proposal was to buy two heavy-duty water tanks, with outlet coupling compatible with Fire and Emergency New Zealand requirements.
The society had already raised $1500 towards the $15,000 overall project cost and $5000 was sought from the board, Mr Shanks indicated in a grant application document.
It was proposed to establish one of the 30,000-litre tanks at 982 Harington Point Rd, near the north end of Te Rauone Beach, and the other, about 500m south, near 878 Harington Point Rd.
The proposal aimed to "provide a guaranteed supply of water in the event of a fire".
Another aim was to help "protect the area’s wildlife habitat as well as local properties", the application said.
Board chairman Paul Pope said there was only tank water in the area, which greatly limited the water available for firefighting.
The Portobello Volunteer Fire Brigade could carry some water to a fire in the area, but if water tanks were already available locally firefighting could continue without the brigade needing to go elsewhere for water.
At this stage in the financial year, the board had $4000 available for grants and at Thursday’s meeting had decided to provide $3000 to support the project, Mr Pope said.
