Central Otago deputy mayor Tony Lepper is keen to see a 300m walking track established along the Fraser River to solve the problem of access to the Earnscleugh Historic Reserve, cut when the Marshall Rd bridge was destroyed.
Mr Lepper, who is also a Central Otago district councillor and on the community board, attended a public meeting of about 20 Earnscleugh and Alexandra residents in Alexandra during the weekend, at which the proposal was mooted.
He said the "initial" walking track should be relatively inexpensive and quick to develop, and should be in place before Christmas.
"The track eventually needs to be made to the standard of other tracks in the area, which may be more costly and take some time.
People at the meeting offered help through various community groups so it shouldn't be too much of an issue," he said.
Those at the meeting agreed the district council should form a 300m walking track along the Fraser River to connect with the existing Millennium Track along the Clutha River.
Earnscleugh residents Shane and Karen Hitchcock organised the meeting to generate public support for some reinstatement of access when it was revealed the Otago Regional Council would not replace its bridge due to a history of problems with structures over that section of the river.
Mr Hitchcock said everyone at the meeting was adamant proper access to the area was required.
