Construction begins on the Coastal Connection
The first stage of a trail to connect Waikouaiti to Port Chalmers is underway. Volunteers have started building a section of trail between Waitati and Orokonui Ecosanctuary.
The part of the trail is Section 5a of the Coastal Communities Cycle Connection, a project to connect Dunedin's north coast communities of Waikouaiti, Karitane, Warrington and Waitati to each other and to the city.
Coordinator Emily Cooper says "our dream is becoming reality, thanks to generous landowners and people giving their time for free. This community is amazing."
Waitiati landowners Graeme and Marie Bennett have allowed the trail to pass through their property, opening up a route from Doctor's Point Rd to Mopanui Rd, beside the Orokonui Ecosanctuary.
The Dunedin Tracks Network Trust recently received resource consent from the Dunedin City Council for this section of trail. "Local consultant James Taylor from Beca prepared the consent application pro-bono, for which we are very grateful. We'd also like to thank the DCC for their support of this section so far."
Andy Parsons, another local resident, has put in time on a donated digger from Cargill Contracting, along with master track builder Hamish Seaton.
"This section of trail is going to be something special. One part even has a dedicated downhill path for cyclists and a separate uphill one with an easier gradient." says Emily. "The quality of the trail is only surpassed by the views."
Dunedin Tracks Network Trust chair Paul says "It's a momentous occasion. This is the first ground broken in our vision to build a network of world-class trails across Dunedin."
The trail will allow cyclists and walkers to ascend 270m in elevation off-road from Doctor's Point Rd to Mopanui Rd, providing sweeping views over Blueskin Bay. The trail will be mostly Grade 2 (easy) with some Grade 3 (intermediate) parts and is expected to open in 2025. A future off-road trail planned from Blueskin Rd down to Port Chalmers will create a commuter route to Dunedin for Blueskin Bay residents and will give access to the north coast for city residents and visitors.
Further north, the group has raised the funds for the preliminary design of the Waikouaiti River rail bridge clip-on and work is underway on the design.
Earlier this month the Dunedin Tracks Network Trust, Dunedin City Council and the Department of Conservation announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at 'fostering a collaboration to create one of the world’s great track networks for Dunedin people and visitors to the city.'
Plants for the built section of the Waitati trail have been donated by Blueskin Nurseries. Emily days "Other donations have started to roll in and we are very grateful to some generous locals along with the Blueskin A&P Society and the Waikouaiti Coast Community Board."