About turn on cycle trail funding

Thursday, 3 December 2009

Southland District Council Mayor Frana Cardno and Queenstown Lakes District Council Mayor Clive Geddes are angry at what they believe is a backdown on funding the Around the Mountain cycle trail. "We were promised substantial funding from the Government as part of the Prime Minister's national cycle way and now we are being told to save money and find other funding," Mrs Cardno said. "It is of great concern that there is this major about-turn," Mr Geddes said.

"If we do this track it cannot be done on a piecemeal and sub-standard basis - it has to be done properly."

The 175km trail from Queenstown to Kingston via the Mavora Lakes was chosen as one of the seven "quick-start" trails in July by the Prime Minister John Key. Venture Southland has been managing the project.

National cycle trail project manager John Dunn has been in the south this week and has asked Venture Southland to look at ways to save money and options for co-funding and sponsorship.

The trail would be evaluated on its merits but a "portfolio of funding" rather than 100 percent by Government needed to be considered, Mr Dunn told the Southland Times.

Mrs Cardno said it was bad enough that roading funding had been reduced, but now southerners have to find money for the cycle trail.

"This was never our understanding and if it had been outlined as such, we may have reconsidered the Government's invitation to be involved as a quick start.

"Funding seems to be being taken away from Southland for everything. It is so frustrating.

Mr Geddes said the work that is being done at the moment shows that our cycle trail is on a par in pricing with the other cycle trails throughout New Zealand.

"This trail is a cycle trail, not a mountainbike track. It will be unique and iconic and pull in not only the local and national market, but also the overseas visitors as it goes through some amazing country. However, it has to be unique to ensure people return - we believe it will become known as the 'Milford track of cycle trails.'

"It will be really beneficial to the small communities and provide economic development to townships that have been hard hit by the economy, but it has to be done to the right standard.

"We don't want a second-rate product - it must not be compromised," he said.

It is a grade one ride, which will cater for young, old, families and overseas visitors. It will be a catalyst for spending money in the communities along the way.

A mountain bike trail is more challenging and usually sees a different type of rider who is in and out within a short period of time and spends little money so does not provide the same economic benefit to the communities as a cycle trail.

Mrs Cardno was also concerned about the ongoing delays as she believes there are real opportunities currently available for savings from the contracting business as it moves through the shoulder of the recession. These savings, and the contractors, may not be available next construction session.

"The south is also seeing a rise in unemployment at the moment and we want to be involving youth in helping to build this trail, as per the Prime Minister's initiatives.

"We feel utter frustration at this, and are sure the community does too, as we are virtually ready to start and have it opening next year," Mrs Cardno and Mr Geddes said.

 

 

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Southland District Council
P.O. Box 903
Invercargill 9840
Phone: 0800 732 732
Fax: 0800 732 329
emailsdc@southlanddc.govt.nz