Ophir's past could be the key to its future.
The legacy of the settlement's goldmining past - heritage buildings and the Daniel O'Connell bridge - are a vital part of its attraction to visitors.
In the settlement's first community plan, developed by the Ophir Welfare Committee in conjunction with the Central Otago District Council, tourism is highlighted as a growth industry now and in the future. Businesspeople, residents and visitors were canvassed for their views and the draft plan set out what was important to the community and highlighted potential projects over next three to five years. The draft plan is open for feedback and submissions close on August 17.
''It's great to have the first Ophir community plan almost ready to put into action,'' committee spokesman Malcolm Topliss said.
Now it was important to get feedback on the plan before it was finalised.
''The more feedback we get, the better we are able to reflect the community's views and aspirations for Ophir,'' he said.
The settlement had about 60 permanent residents and of the 56 houses in Ophir, 31 were permanent homes and 25 were cribs, the draft plan said. The population swelled to 150 during peak holiday time.
It was a booming town after gold was discovered nearby in the 1860s and an estimated 34kg of gold was extracted from the Ophir mines.
But after the easily extractable gold ran out, Ophir became almost a ''ghost town'' and the population declined further in 1904 when the newly developed Central Otago railway line bypassed the settlement.
''However, it is believed the near-abandonment of Ophir is the reason many of its historic buildings are in such good condition, and they are largely behind a renaissance of the village in recent years,'' the draft plan said. The plan covers a wide range of topics, from recreational opportunities through to infrastructure.
Developing a cycling and walking track between Ophir and Omakau is one of the priorities. Suggestions included a track from bridge to bridge or linking with the Otago Central Rail Trail in Omakau. Funding avenues would have to be explored. Residents were concerned about the quality and cost of their drinking water and wanted to see alternative, affordable sources investigated.
The community wanted to explore the cost of a reticulated sewerage for the settlement. Some residents believed the reliance on septic tanks was deterring development in Ophir. Others were concerned an increase in septic tanks as the result of an increase in residential or commercial development might have a negative effect on the environment.
Historic buildings were an important part of the settlement's character. Residents' most ''significant'' concern regarding heritage was the ''destruction of buildings by neglect'', and one of the recommendations in the plan was to explore funding options to help property owners with the repair and maintenance of heritage buildings.
