Work is still being done behind the scenes on a deal to vest a large part of a former Kaitangata coal mine to the public.
Kaitangata and Districts Promotions and Solid Energy have been working on the deal but community co-ordinator Jean Proctor said this week there was still nothing definitive to announce.
Solid Energy has spent more than $1 million redeveloping the 53ha site and hoped to create a public recreational area, but might still want to retain part of the area if good reserves of gas and coal were to be found there.
Mrs Proctor said both parties were still working "to and fro" trying to work out the fine print of a deal, but there was still no definitive time frame for confirming any deal.
"Hopefully, it will be in a few weeks," she said.
The site includes native vegetation, geological and historic mining features, native birds, views, a lake, tracks, information panels, rest areas and toilets.
Plans for the public area include mountain-biking tracks and walking areas. Solid Energy finished mining there in 1989.
