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The trust pushing to reopen the Chain Hills rail tunnel to walkers and cyclists wants Dunedin City Council help.
Dunedin Tunnels Trust chairman Gerard Hyland, speaking at the public forum before yesterday's infrastructure services and networks committee meeting, said council funding would be "very much appreciated''.
The trust announced last week the owners of the property through which access to the Chain Hills rail tunnel could be gained had agreed to sell their property to the trust.
The agreement, which would enable the trust to put in an easement and establish boundaries for a cycle track, was a "significant step'', he said.
Yesterday, Mr Hyland told councillors the deal was the trust's "one opportunity'' to secure access to the tunnel for the wider trail project.
The trust now had about 10 weeks to raise $550,000, in loans and donations, to confirm the deal.
So far, about $2000 had been raised via the trust's new Givealittle page, and more help was needed, he said.
"What I would like to see is the DCC coming in behind and give it support, in any way,'' he said.
That could mean council assistance with legal requirements, but funding would also be welcome, he said.
The trust planned to buy the property, place an easement over it, guaranteeing access to the tunnel for the trail, and then on-sell the land to pay back loans.
The trust had been trying to advance the project since 2005. Access to the Chain Hills Tunnel would ensure a "relatively flat'' 4km cycling and walking track linking Abbotsford and Wingatui.
The trust also planned to reopen the old Caversham rail tunnel, creating a track between the city and Taieri Plain avoiding roads and hills.
Committee chairwoman Cr Kate Wilson, after yesterday's meeting, said she expected any opportunities to assist the trust would be considered.