Dunedin Tunnels Trust chairman Gerard Hyland, speaking at the public forum before yesterday's infrastructure services and networks committee meeting, said council funding would be "very much appreciated''.
The trust announced last week the owners of the property through which access to the Chain Hills rail tunnel could be gained had agreed to sell their property to the trust.
The agreement, which would enable the trust to put in an easement and establish boundaries for a cycle track, was a "significant step'', he said.
Yesterday, Mr Hyland told councillors the deal was the trust's "one opportunity'' to secure access to the tunnel for the wider trail project.
The trust now had about 10 weeks to raise $550,000, in loans and donations, to confirm the deal.
So far, about $2000 had been raised via the trust's new Givealittle page, and more help was needed, he said.
"What I would like to see is the DCC coming in behind and give it support, in any way,'' he said.
That could mean council assistance with legal requirements, but funding would also be welcome, he said.
The trust planned to buy the property, place an easement over it, guaranteeing access to the tunnel for the trail, and then on-sell the land to pay back loans.
The trust had been trying to advance the project since 2005. Access to the Chain Hills Tunnel would ensure a "relatively flat'' 4km cycling and walking track linking Abbotsford and Wingatui.
The trust also planned to reopen the old Caversham rail tunnel, creating a track between the city and Taieri Plain avoiding roads and hills.
Committee chairwoman Cr Kate Wilson, after yesterday's meeting, said she expected any opportunities to assist the trust would be considered.
Comments
DCC is already "investing" many millions in cycling infrastructure. Albeit a bunch of it wasted through multiple efforts in South Dunedin. Dunedin ratepayers have paid enough already.
Not one cent more should be spend pandering to this tiny group to support their hobbies. This mob (group of 10?) want to buy this property and then spend millions more on this and the lookout point tunnel. Great, get off your backsides and work to raise the money. Sitting around scrounging via a donations web site won't do it.
Mind you, I think $2,000 probably sums up the level of interest from most locals. There simply isn't any.
Clearly Keith doesn't own a bicycle, since his guesstimate to cyclist numbers is WAY off.
While i'm not entirely happy with the way money has been spent on the city cycle ways, this one is different in that it is being planned etc mainly (wholly?) by Dunedin Tunnels Trust, not the DCC? Not when compared to the other ones anyway.
This would benefit a large number of cyclists who could ride from Mosgiel to town and back for work etc, as at the moment there are some pretty hefty hills in the way which make this trip longer and harder than it could be.
As a ratepayer, and casual cyclist (not a lycra wearing one) i'd love to see the DCC help out with funding, as i'd say it truly is a one-chance-only land purchase. And i would definitely use it.
This isn't just for recreational cyclists, but the whole community: commuters, families, school kids, those with scooters, push chairs, and eventually mobility scooters.
There were over 500 people through the tunnel at the last Open Day, with more asking when the next one will be held.
As of the 14th of Feb the Chain Hills Tunnel website shows $2500 in donations; and $115,000 offered as loans. In addition to this there are the many people who have volunteered their time over the past year at the Working Bees on the eastern side and working in the background on this project.
That's considerable interest.
KeithMcC, the many millions invested in cycling infrastructure is for the benefit of all road users, not just cyclists. Ask any driver who has hit a cyclist. DCC doesn't make cycling laws but are taking a responsible approach to making them more workable. As for the tunnels, I'd wager more than 10 cyclists would be easing commuter traffic woes for hundreds of motorists if they opened. Benefits for all I reckon. Utilising existing assets, currently wasting away, for the benefit of all sounds like a win to me. Tip of the hat to you Gerard for having the insight, energy and determination.