Coastal cycleway a step closer with funding from Lottery Community Facilities Fund
A plan to connect the coastal communities north of Dunedin with a shared-use path for cycling and walking is underway after the group behind the project received funding from the Lottery Community Facilities Fund. The Dunedin Tracks Network Trust has received $28,750 for the costs of preparing a technical feasibility study for the proposed cycleway project.
The feasibility study will investigate options for constructing shared-use paths that link Dunedin, Waitati and Waikouaiti. In addition to connecting these communities, the potential for future tracks inland to Central Otago and northward to Oamaru will also be considered. The study will include detailed design work by consultant Hamish Seaton. Hamish Seaton has previously designed the Alps2Ocean, Old Ghost Rd and Paparoa Track.
The Coastal Communities Cycle Connection group applied to the fund under the umbrella entity of the Dunedin Tracks Network Trust. The trust was set up last year to facilitate “a world-class network of public accessible pedestrian, cycle and multi-use tracks in Dunedin”. Trust chair Lindsay Dey said “the project aligns well with the purposes of the trust. We’re delighted to receive funding for the first steps in this exciting project.”
The Lottery Community Facilities Committee approved the grant of $28,750.00 on 30th November 2021.
The Coastal Communities Cycle Connection group was established in 2020 with ‘a vision to connect the communities of Waikouaiti-Karitāne and Warrington-Waitati with shared-use paths’. Facilitator Emily Cooper said “The feedback that residents submitted showed overwhelming support for a safe, alternative travel option between our villages and to the city that avoids SH1. People want to be able to ride their bikes or walk to their local library, pub, school or club, or go further on a bit of an adventure. These paths will be a game-changer, so we’re fizzing!”
Preliminary work on the project to date includes two public meetings, a Facebook group, discussions with landowners, an initial appraisal of the upper shore biota of Waitati inlet by Professor Keith Probert and discussions with the Walking Access Commission, KiwiRail and Department of Conservation. Letters of support for the application were received from Kāti Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki, the Otago Regional Council, the Department of Conservation, the Waikouaiti Coast Community Board and members of the public.
A report prepared by Martin Jenkins in 2019 for Waitaki District Council and Dunedin City Council presented a top-level feasibility study of a potential Oamaru to Dunedin cycle trail, “which will provide some useful assumptions for our detailed study”, said Emily.
The study will identify the most appropriate routes based on usability, cost, environmental impact, and stakeholder feedback. Plans will be prepared showing the routes and budget estimates produced to determine likely construction costs. The proposed tracks will be suitable for cyclists, runners and walkers. They will ideally conform to the NZCT Grade2 (Easy) trail standards, otherwise the Grade3 (Intermediate) trail standards. Public land will be used where possible. The report will be completed next year.
