Dog sled pair say operation safe

The pair behind a proposal for a dry-land dog sledding operation in Alexandra have addressed concerns about safety risks.

A Central Otago District Council hearings panel meeting this week heard an application by Fleur and Curt Perano, of Roxburgh, for resource consent to the operate the tours.

They would run between 8am and 2pm, in the area known as the Pines, through their company Underdog NZ Ltd.

Customers would drive wheeled sleds pulled by dog teams under the supervision of a guide on a quad bike.

Mike and Marielle Craighead, of Alexandra, opposed the application in a written submission, as they were concerned the operation would be dangerous for walkers and cyclists, and create a fire risk and noise disturbance.

"The Pines is an area anyone can walk into, ride into in all forms of transport, from foot to 4WD,'' they said.

The pair were concerned about the fire risk of the quad bikes.

Two other submitters recommended consent be granted.

Mr Perano said the fire risk would be mitigated, as the quad bike had a spark arrestor fitted, was regularly serviced and cleaned, and carried a fire extinguisher.

There would be clear signage as to the tracks it would be operating on, the quad bike would not exceed 30kmh and the dogs would travel at a maximum of 18kmh, he said.

The Peranos have run a snow-sledding operation on the Snow Farm in the Pisa Range for three years. It was regularly audited and had no incidents, he said.

"The Pines area is fairly benign, compared to what we are used to.

"We would never have passed an audit if we were dangerous.''

In a report, Central Otago District Council's planning consultant David Whitney recommended consent be granted with conditions.

The panel reserved its decision.

The board also heard an application by The Te Wairere Ridge Trust Partnership for resource consent to build 158sqm six-bedroom workers' accommodation and a two-bedroom garage building on a 3.2ha site on Gilmore Rd, Mt Pisa. It plans to start an orchard which would cover the site and part of another 3.2ha block it owns next door.

Neighbouring property owner Graeme McMillan opposed it because the plans would mean a 25m setback between the properties would be breached.

He suggested the main building be moved forward to the centre of the applicant's block.

The panel reserved its decision.

jono.edwards@odt.co.nz

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