The Upper Clutha community has voiced its frustration about the lack of funding in the Queenstown Lakes District Council's draft 10-year plan for the development of a cycle and walkway network in Wanaka.
In the plan, Wanaka was allocated $1.5million for the network, compared with $23.5million for the same in Queenstown.
In response, more than 150 people put forward submissions stating more funding should be set aside for the construction of the Wanaka network.
Development of the network has been a hot topic in Wanaka since Active Transport Wanaka unveiled its cycling and walking masterplan for the town in November last year.
The first stage of the masterplan prioritised five cycleway and walkway routes: from the schools to the new pool at Three Parks, Aubrey Rd, Anderson Rd, Albert Town Bridge to central Wanaka, as well as a loop around the town centre.
The group made submissions on the 10-year plan and requested the council adopt the first stage of the masterplan, as well as increase the funding for the network to $10million.
Spokesman Simon Telfer said he was confident the council would listen.
"I think it'll be hard for them to ignore the overwhelming voice of the community."
"Council has to make tough decisions but this is an investment in the town over a decade that will save having to deal with retrofitting and dealing with issues that have risen in Queenstown."
"I hate to think of the implications for civic engagement and constituent morale in Wanaka if these clear concerns were not boldly addressed."
Mr Telfer said the schools-to-pool route was the immediate priority. The new community pool at Three Parks is set to open on June 10.
"The transition from one pool to the next is about to happen and children are going to have to get from their schools to the new pool and rec centre by crossing a state highway [SH84]".
"I would be reluctant to let my children cross SH84 unaccompanied."
In the masterplan, the schools to pool route included an underpass at SH84 to allow safer access for people travelling to and from the Three Parks recreational facilities.
Active Transport Wanaka will address the 10-year plan hearing at the Lake Wanaka Centre next Wednesday.
