Views sought on Town Belt

The management plan for the Town Belt, Dunedin’s most high-profile reserve, is being reviewed and...
The management plan for the Town Belt, Dunedin’s most high-profile reserve, is being reviewed and local people are being asked for feedback. Image: supplied
The Dunedin City Council is inviting the city’s residents to give their views on Dunedin’s most high-profile reserve, the Town Belt, which covers 202ha across several hill suburbs.

Established in 1848, it is one of only three Victorian Town Belts in the world, and is recognised and appreciated by Dunedin people for its recreational, landscape, amenity, ecological, cultural, historical and educational values.

The current management plan for the Town Belt is being reviewed and people’s feedback will help to shape an updated draft management plan.

DCC parks and recreation acting group manager Heath Ellis said Dunedin people had said they "think the Town Belt is an excellent asset that should be protected".

"Many people live near it, pass through it when commuting, exercise in the area or play sport in one of its 22 sports grounds," he said.

"We want to hear what people value about the Town Belt, how they use it, what its problems are and how they can be solved. This could include things like pests, rubbish, safety, signs, traffic, access and maintenance, how the area can be improved and what activities they would like here in the future.

"This feedback will help us make good decisions about how the Town Belt is used and protected. The plan we prepare will reflect what Dunedin people value about this space," Mr Ellis said.

People will also be able to have their say on the draft management plan for the Town Belt later in 2024.

Submissions can be made at www.dunedin.govt.nz/consultation until April 1, 2024.

The DCC is reviewing all its parks and recreation management plans.