Roxburgh Gorge Trail Charitable Trust Announcements

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail Charitable Trust signals its intentions to continue working towards a grade 1-2 cycle trail linking Alexandra and Lake Roxburgh Village. The motivation for this is and always has been the economic and community benefits it will bring the Alexandra and Roxburgh areas. Using the economic impact of the Otago Central Rail Trail as a guide it is estimated that the Roxburgh Gorge Trail could in time add around $3 Million and 20 full time job equivalents to the local economy every year.

Stephen Jeffery, Chair of the Roxburgh Gorge Trail Charitable Trust, says “should we fail to get easement agreements over the entire proposed route there are alternative options, some of which are innovative, that we are considering”.

Riding or walking through the Roxburgh Gorge will be a world class experience, and in association with the Otago Central Rail Trail, the Clutha Gold Trail and the many other cycling and mountain biking experiences in the area it will cement Central Otago as a cycling destination for domestic and international tourists.

Rod Lambert, chairman of the Roxburgh and District Community Plan Trust says “The great majority of people we talk to are strongly in favour of both trails [Roxburgh Gorge Trail and Clutha Gold Trail] proceeding, believing, as we do, that their completion will offer a huge opportunity for economic growth and wellbeing in the Alexandra to Lawrence corridor”.

On behalf of the Alexandra, Clyde and Districts business group, Brent Wilson says “We see that this concept, alongside the existing Otago Central Rail Trail, Clutha Millennium Track and other Clutha River trail concepts being developed - both upstream and downstream, adding to this growing reputation and enhancing the growth and vibrancy of the Roxburgh, Alexandra and surrounding communities.”

The Trust is also pleased to announce the appointment of four new trustees. These are:

· Russell Ibbotson: Alexandra business consultant and property developer

· Rob Roy: Keen cyclist and Alexandra based chartered accountant

· Alistair Monteath: Ex Lands & Survey, currently an educator, living in Roxburgh.

· Rod Pemberton: Farmer, Roxburgh based ex-Chairman of Southland Federated Farmers.

The Roxburgh Gorge Trail Charitable Trust intends to announce commencement of construction of the first part of the trail from Alexandra to the end of the Department of Conservation Flat Top Hill estate. Full details will be announced once a date for start of construction has been determined.