Otago walking track projects continue to attract government funding, with a 10km riverside trail at Makarora the latest proposal to be given financial assistance for its future construction.
The Makarora Valley Community Association is one of twelve successful applicants to have gained a slice of a $200,000 fund from the New Zealand Walking Access Commission.
The association will receive a $3600 grant to help cover costs for a proposed 10km trail beside the Makarora River.
Makarora Valley Community Association chairman Richard Blanc said news of the funding grant "was just magic".
The association wants to develop a clearly marked, 10km track along the river to give residents and visitors a "formalised" trail between the two township settlements at the northern and southern ends of Makarora, he said.
An informal track already exists between Makarora "township" at the southern end of the valley, and Makarora "West" at the northern end where the Department of Conservation office is located.
"We've been pushing for something for the past couple of years.
It will give us all an alternative other than walking along the busy road [State Highway 6]", Mr Blanc said.
The trail will also provide off-road access for local residents, day visitors, and trampers wanting access to the northeastern part of Mount Aspiring National Park.
New Zealand Walking Access Commission chairman John Acland said there were three criteria for the Enhanced Access Fund.
To address existing access problems; to negotiate retention of existing access or obtain new access; and to support community access projects, he said.
The contestable fund was shared between 12 applicants, with six each in the North Island and South Island, Mr Acland said.
"More than $200,000 has been allocated this financial year and will be spread over the duration of the projects, up to a maximum of three years, following completion of agreed milestones," he said.
The Makarora grant is the smallest allocated from the Commission's $200,000 fund.
