Resource consent is being sought for works and structures on two-thirds of the Clutha Gold Trail, the stretch within the Central Otago boundary.
The 73km trail was the first in Central Otago to receive funding under the New Zealand Cycle Trail project, with a grant of $2.5 million for the 50km Roxburgh East to Beaumont section.
Government funding for the second part of the trail, from Beaumont to Lawrence, is under review, but Clutha Gold Trust chairman Rod Peirce is optimistic issues with landowners will be resolved and that part will also gain funding.
"We're well on the way to resolving any issues we had with landowners in that part of the trail and I'm hopeful we'll have support, in principle, at least, by the end of November deadline for government funding."
There are 150 landowners along the planned route, which has yet to be finalised. The Central Otago District Council, Contact Energy, and Crown land agencies are among the owners, along with private individuals.
Most of the trail is along the marginal strip beside the Clutha River, but some of the trail follows the old railway line and road reserve. It crosses on to private property at three points.
Resource consent sought is for structures associated with the construction, operation and maintenance of a walking and cycling trail.
It is only for the part from the Roxburgh hydro car park at Roxburgh East to the boundary with the Clutha District Council, north of Beaumont.
The consent is to cover the construction of several sheds for shelter, small timber deck bridges, toilets, signs, information kiosks and protective barriers.
In its application, the trust said the trail would have positive social and economic effects, build on the success of the Otago Central Rail Trail and link in to the Roxburgh Gorge cycle trail, which will extend from Alexandra to the Roxburgh dam.
Submissions close on November 25. Central Otago council planning team leader Ann Rodgers said the matter would be heard before an independent commissioner.
