The Dunedin Tracks Network Trust yesterday endorsed a call from the Dunedin Tunnels Trail Trust for the proposed trail to Mosgiel to have the highest priority for projects of its type in a future development strategy.
The network trust is involved in promoting five other possible trails — including a Taieri trail and coastal connection north of Dunedin — but trust chairman Paul Coffey acknowledged the proposed tunnels trail was first in the queue.
Pedestrian and cycling possibilities for at least one of the two Victorian-era disused railway tunnels had been consistently pitched since 2005.
"It’s ready to go. It just needs to happen," Mr Coffey said.
Network trust committee member Sarah Davie-Nitis agreed the tunnels trail, which was not part of the network’s programme, should be the top priority for Dunedin City Council investment.
They described the proposed Taieri trail from Waihola as being in an earlier stage of development, but it would need to link up with the tunnels trail at Mosgiel, and there was momentum for linking the coastal communities north of Dunedin between Waikouaiti and Port Chalmers.
The tunnels trail had appeared in 2022 to be a project whose time had come when about 200 public submissions supported it in the city council’s annual plan process and the council backed it.
However, prospects of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi funding dimmed after a change in government last year.
One selling point is the trail could provide a viable cycle commute from Mosgiel into Dunedin, relieving some traffic congestion.
The subject was raised this week in a hearing for the city council and Otago Regional Council’s future development strategy for Dunedin.
Coastal Communities Cycle Connection representative Emily Cooper also presented at the hearing yesterday, arguing a project timeline of 1-10 years was more suitable than the draft strategy’s indication of 10-30 years.
"As stated in the draft report, there is no dedicated safe walking and cycleway between the north coast communities, and cycling on the state highway raises safety concerns," she said in her submission.
Ms Cooper told the hearing cycling on the existing highway stretch between Evansdale and Waitati was "taking your life into your hands".
A mountainbiking event is being run today to raise money for the coastal trail.
Mosgiel-Taieri Community Board chairman Andrew Simms highlighted the importance of the tunnels trail during his presentation on Thursday.
Mr Simms said both the tunnels trail and a proposed park and ride facility were essential for providing transport options.
He also argued a heavy-traffic bypass for Mosgiel should be fast-tracked and the Silver Stream channel should be maintained at 100% of its design capacity instead of the existing 63%.
Tolerance of inadequate stream maintenance added to flood risk, he said.
Waikouaiti Coast Community Board deputy chairman Andy Barratt said in general for his area the draft strategy "acknowledges the many significant issues we have known about for years without offering a long-term vision for the future".
For Three Waters, the strategy did not advance beyond identifying significant logistical and financial problems, Dr Barratt said.
Notable gains had been made recently in public transport, but there was more to do, he said.
