Both parties have been talking for the last two years about how best to handle the booming visitor numbers to the area, with new toilets, signs and upgraded car parking areas identified as requirements.
Doc coastal Otago area manager Robin Thomas said, when contacted, the issue of improvements had been deferred until the outcome of the proposed Nugget Point marine reserve was known.
That proposal was shelved last year. Mr Thomas said it was still acknowledged new visitor facilities were needed in the area. But with the council considering sealing the Nuggets Rd, it was opportune to talk about the chances of working co-operatively, to save time and money.
While the sealing would be a separate project, Mr Thomas believed there were opportunities for both parties to reduce expense at certain points along the road, which begins at Willsher Bay and winds around the coastline for about 10km until reaching the Nuggets lighthouse and walking area.
"If we have a common vision on this, we should be able to get a lot of good things there and possibly save some money along the way.''
Doc was looking at expanding the Nuggets car park, improving walking tracks and increasing the signs both before and at the lighthouse area itself. New toilets and improvements to the viewing area at Roaring Bay might also be on the agenda.
These were all ideas that needed to be debated in full with the council, Mr Thomas said. Finding ways of keeping costs down and reducing the public's inconvenience were also key drivers, he said.
Council district assets manager Jules Witt, who had discussions with Mr Thomas last month, said there was "quite a range of issues'' that needed to be looked at.
He was not sure when the Doc presentation would be held. It would either be at a full council meeting or a specially arranged gathering.
