Further support in principle has been confirmed by the
Central Otago District Council for the proposed Roxburgh
Gorge and Clutha Gold cycle trails.
Council business development manager Jonathan Gadd presented
a report to the district development committee this week,
highlighting options in relation to the trails.
The trails were among 13 to receive initial government
funding from 54 concept trails nationwide as part of the New
Zealand Cycle Trail Project.
If both trails were approved for construction, $5.8 million
of government funding would be provided towards the estimated
total construction cost of $8.5 million.
Mr Gadd recommended the committee support both proposed
trails in principle, which included an agreement to
underwrite their annual maintenance costs until a time when
that was no longer deemed necessary.
About $60,000 was needed to complete a feasibility study for
the Roxburgh Gorge Trail, and Mr Gadd recommended the
committee also agree to provide up to $45,000 of the cost.
A full feasibility study and business plan for the Clutha
Gold Trail was almost complete, so did not need the council's
help.
The committee members resolved to approve all Mr Gadd's
recommendations.
The council's backing would provide some confidence for the
Government at this stage, although actual requests for
maintenance or feasibility costs would have to be formally
presented to the council.
It was estimated maintenance for each trail would be between
$50,000 and $150,000 a year.
Mr Gadd said it was unlikely any costs would have to be
realised before the 2011-12 year.
Both trails were intended to be self-sustaining in the long
run, and would contribute an estimated $3.5 million in annual
gross domestic profit throughout Central Otago, Mr Gadd said.
The Otago Central Rail Trail generated as much each year, and
provided about 75 equivalent full-time jobs, he said.
"The addition of 100km of cycleway linking directly to the
Otago Central Rail Trail has the potential to double the user
numbers of cycle trail riders to Central Otago, as well as
creating new opportunities for walking, and will benefit all
communities along the existing and new trails," Mr Gadd's
report stated.
He proposed rates should be at a district level if the
council agreed to provide financial support.
Underwriting of $150,000 would raise the district rate
components by about $12 a year for the 12,330 ratepayers.
Committee member John Lane questioned whether the rate
increase should be district-wide, as the trails were not
within the Cromwell or Maniototo wards.
Mr Gadd said benefits would flow throughout the district, and
without financial help from all ratepayers, supporting both
trails would not be sustainable.
He said without the council's support, it was unlikely either
trail could progress to construction.
"Central Otago has the opportunity to obtain nearly $6
million in government funding to assist in the construction
of the two trails. This will not happen without the
assistance requested now and the ongoing support and
expertise of council officers and elected members," Mr Gadd
said.
ALONG THE RIVER
• Roxburgh Gorge Trail: 33km cycleway along the true
right of the Clutha River between Alexandra and the Roxburgh
dam, linking at either end to the Otago Central Rail Trail
and proposed Clutha Gold Trail.
• Clutha Gold Trail: 73km cycleway along the
true left of the Clutha River between the Roxburgh dam and
Lawrence, linking at Roxburgh to the proposed Roxburgh Gorge
Trail.
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