Two for, one against venture

Curt Perano. Photo by ODT.
Curt Perano. Photo by ODT.
A proposed dog-sledding operation at Alexandra has drawn twice as much support as opposition.

UnderDog New Zealand, operated by Fleur and Curt Perano, of Roxburgh, has applied for planning consent for commercial dog-sled tours in The Pines, on the outskirts of Alexandra.

The application has attracted three submissions, two in favour of the venture and one opposed.

The Central Otago District Council's hearings panel will meet next month to decide the matter.

The Peranos have run dog-sledding tours on snow trails at the Snow Farm on the Pisa Range for three years and they want to add a dryland sledding option, year-round, between 8am and 2pm, at Alexandra.

Customers would drive wheeled sleds pulled by dog teams under the supervision of a guide, the application said.

No areas would be cordoned off, but signs and guides would ensure the safety of passersby during business hours.

Hadar Orkibi, of Alexandra, in one of two submissions supporting the venture, said it would contribute to Alexandra and Clyde tourism and boost local businesses.

His only concern was the impact on others using the trails through The Pines for recreation and he suggested access to the site be available to the public at all times.

Mike and Marielle Craighead, of Alexandra, asked the council to decline consent.

They were concerned about the safety of other users of the area, including young cyclists who might be alarmed at being confronted by up to five teams of four dogs.

They were also concerned about a quad bike being used by the tour operator.

The use of any motorbikes in the area should be discouraged because of the potential fire risk in the summer months and also to reduce the noise and dust nuisance for residents in the area, they said.

 

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