A lack of communication between residents and Contact Energy about the intended disposal of land in Beaumont has resulted in confusion between the two parties.
Contact Energy decided to sell properties in the Beaumont, Tuapeka, Millers Flat and Raes Junction areas after it scrapped plans to develop dams on the upper and lower Clutha River, including four hydro-development options at Tuapeka Mouth, Beaumont, Queensberry and Luggate.
Contact Energy spokesman Shaun Jones said the majority of land owned by Contact in the area had been sold to existing lessees.
It was understood in 2014 Contact would be giving some of the land to the Beaumont community.
Mr Jones said Contact had discussions with various individuals and representatives of community groups about how it might be able to assist with community projects.
However, Beaumont Residents Group secretary-treasurer Margaret Healy said she had not heard anything from Contact for some time but the last thing she was told was the company would "see what it could do''.
"We have heard no more ... They gave big promises,'' Mrs Healy said.
She discussed potential properties which the community could acquire from Contact but none were approved, she said.
When it was clear it was not possible for the community to have the land it sought, she asked if Contact could give money to help upgrade the community hall, Mrs Healy said.
"[Contact] said ‘we'll see what we can do' and I haven't heard from them since.''
The last time she heard from Contact was when it first started selling the properties, she said.
A statement on behalf of Mr Jones said Contact worked with the Clutha Gold Cycle Trail Trust to facilitate licences so the trust would have the right to use some of the land.
"Some of the land used for the rail trail was originally Contact land.''
Mrs Healy said the cycle trail ran the length of the river, so any land which was given to the trust was more or less on the riverbank.
Ideally, she would like Contact to at least give the community some money to finish the hall, she said.
"It's just a pity ... They said they would look at [giving land] favourably.''
Mr Jones said Contact had been exploring a range of options which could result in more land being given to local councils and the discussions would be continuing.
