Mountain Biking Otago is one step closer to creating a new walking and mountain-biking track on Dunedin's Signal Hill after being awarded a $6670 grant from the New Zealand Walking Access Commission.
Otago-based commission board member Mike Barnett said the funding would help the club with the costs of negotiating and creating an easement that would secure public access on the proposed Signal Hill to Cleghorn St route.
The club has worked with the Dunedin City Council, landholders and other parties to develop a new route on one of Dunedin's landmarks.
Mountain Biking Otago is one of nine organisations across the country to receive funding from the commission's Enhanced Access Fund.
More than $63,400 worth of funding was given in this round.
The contestable fund supports collaborative projects that enhance access in New Zealand's great outdoors for present and future generations.
''The level of enthusiasm and determination to improve enduring access into the outdoors is impressive and it's always a challenge for our panel to make its selections,'' Mr Barnett said.
Mountain Biking Otago committee member Hamish Seaton was delighted with the funding.
''The cost of easements and surveying is a lot for a small club like ours to bear, so we're grateful for any assistance.''
Mr Seaton hoped work on the track would start next summer. It was expected to take about 12 months to complete.
Since the Enhanced Access Fund began in 2010, 62 projects have been approved for funding.
Otago projects funded through the Enhanced Access Fund in previous years included an extension to the Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway, improvements to the Purakaunui Inlet Track, and construction of the Newcastle Track on the Clutha River.
