An ambitious plan to establish a network of cycleways connecting north coast communities to Dunedin and potentially to Central and North Otago sparked the interest of Waikouaiti Coast Community Board members.
At its meeting last week, held in Waikouaiti, the board heard an update on the "Feasibility Study for the Coastal Communities Cycleway Project" report from cycleway advocates Hamish Seaton and Emily Cooper.
The detailed report was prepared by Mr Seaton for the Dunedin Tracks Network Trust, on behalf of the Coastal Communities Cycleway Connection group, represented by Ms Cooper.
The aim of the project is to connect the communities of Waikouaiti-Karitane and Warrington-Waitati to the city using 40km of shared-use pathways. It describes five sections of trail that could eventually provide a route from Waikouaiti through to Port Chalmers and thence to Dunedin via the West Harbour cycleway-walkway.
Waikouaiti Coast Community Board chairman Alasdair Morrison said the report was very good and offered possible solutions to the dangers faced by cyclists coming "over the hill" to Dunedin on the highway.
"There are a lot of questions around where to go from here, but if it succeeds it will be the biggest thing to happen in the region for some time," Mr Morrison said.
People interested in learning more about the concept can find out more at a public meeting to be held tonight from 7pm at the East Otago Events Centre, Main Rd, Waikouaiti.
Public Forum
At its public forum, the board heard updates from two local organisations about ongoing projects.
Waikouaiti Coast Heritage Centre representative Shirley McKewen spoke about plans for the renovation of a historic building at the rear of the regional museum, which houses a collection of more than 19,000 items.
The project was in the planning stages, but the organisation would be likely to approach the board for funding support in future, she said.
Waikouaiti Volunteer Fire Brigade representative Andrew Malloch also attended the meeting to speak about the brigade’s Fast Response Vehicle Project.
The project was a result of an increasing number of callouts for medical events, and the need for a vehicle to use in attending — rather than a fire truck.
A future funding application to the board was likely for this project.
Funding granted
The board considered a funding application from the Blueskin Youth and Community Amenities group, which requested assistance with essential maintenance of the popular Orokonui Lagoon Walk. This would involve gravel spreading and the removal of an unstable old pine tree.
The board agreed to grant about $900 towards the project.
