During day one of the resource consent hearing at Gore District Council chambers yesterday, the council made its case for the proposed $3.7million bridge linking the intersection of Church and Huron Sts on the river’s east bank, and Surrey St on the west.
The bridge would also carry water pipes, as part of a $10.7million upgrade to the council’s East Gore water plant.
Several members of the public and representatives of interest groups also spoke to the independent panel of commissioners yesterday, focusing largely on the visual impact of the proposed structure.
The council announced plans for the cable-stay bridge, about 650m upstream of the State Highway 1 road bridge, in June this year.
If built, it would be the largest of its type in the country, at 39m high and 90m long.
NZ Transport Agency funding of 55% would leave Gore ratepayers with $1.6million to pay.
Among those opposing the proposal were Huron St couple Wendy and Gary Weir.
The planned structure would terminate on their street, and have a massive visual impact on their property, they argued.
"We have spent a lot of money on our home and people visit to sit on the deck and admire the rural views," Mrs Weir said.
Mr Weir said the scale of the structure would be better suited to Auckland or Sydney Harbour, and was concerned it would remain an eyesore even at night, due to its lighting.
Bridge designer Dan Crocker, of Cambridge firm DC Structures Studio, answered those concerns during his statement via Zoom.
He said analysis had shown light impacts from the bridge would be about the same as a full moon, and should not unduly impact residents or wildlife.
While acknowledging any bridge in the planned location would have a significant impact on the landscape, that had been mitigated by its "visually permeable" cable-stay design, he said.
Other objections from the 11 public submitters at the hearing included traffic safety concerns for cyclists and pedestrians exiting the bridge at Huron St, due to its use as a "bogan racetrack"; potential environmental issues for wildlife due to light pollution; and effects of bridge supports on water flow across the Mataura flood plain.
Hokonui Runanga, which had initially objected to the proposal due to a perceived lack of consultation, tabled a letter to signal a change in its position to neutral, on the proviso of its involvement in final design decisions.
In contrast to the majority, the Hokonui Mountain Bike Club spoke warmly in support of the new bridge.
Club secretary Hamish Weir said the club included a range of cyclists, many of whom favoured "more sedate" forms of riding.
The club had spent several years building a trail network around East Gore and in the Walnut Grove area of town, he said.
"We have been enthusiastic supporters of a second [bridge] since the outset. This is a critical link in our proposed around town trail network, providing an essential link between east and west."
He said the current state highway bridge was dangerous for cyclists.
"The new bridge would provide tranquillity, calm, and isolation from vehicles."
He said the bridge would unify the town, and encourage "active recreation" among townspeople.
The hearing continues today.
