Council to work with residents on bike track

Taupo District Councillors yesterday assured residents affected by a new section of the Whakaipo Bay to Kinloch track that they would be consulted on any negative impacts likely to be created by the track and mitigation measures put in place.

Over the past five years a cycling track linking Whakaipo Bay to Kinloch has been progressively developed by Bike Taupo for walking and cycling purposes. The 20km track lies almost exclusively on Department of Conservation land with the exception of some entry and exit points which lie on Taupo District Council property.

When construction began on the Boojum Dell to Kinloch Domain section of the track, Council received complaints from residents in the area. The Council and Bike Taupo halted work immediately. As a result, a survey of Kinloch residents was done and 84 per cent of the responses were in support of the track.

At a meeting of the Council’s Taupo/Kaingaroa – Mangakino/Pouakani Committee yesterday, the concerned residents described how the track is causing parking issues and disrupting the peaceful quality of life they previously enjoyed.

Council’s Recreation Manager, Thunes Cloete, said alternative routes had been investigated but the Boojum Dell location is most suitable and is already used by walkers.

Bike Taupo spokesman Keith Crate apologised to residents for any stress the track has caused them and asked for their patience. He said when the entire length of the track between Whakaipo Bay and Kinloch is completed, most users will use the Kinloch Domain entrance rather than beginning on the Boojum Dell section.

Councillor Kathryn Uvhagen told the residents she believes the issue can be solved in consultation with them. The Committee agreed that construction of the section of track in question be approved providing directly affected residents are consulted fully and necessary mitigation measures taken.