Council Commits to Cycle Trail
Friday 15 June 2012, 11:59AM
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Council funding of $4 million for Tasman’s Great Taste Trail “brings a level of certainty” that will enable the completion of the 175km loop to a better standard and in quicker time, says David Bonnett, chairman of the Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust (NTCTT).
A total of 93 submissions in support of the cycle trail during Draft Long Term Plan consultations identified the widespread community support for the project and the economic benefits of it for the region.The cycleway from Richmond to Tapawera, Motueka and back to Richmond, with extensions to Kaiteriteri and Nelson, will be completed by 2019.
David says the Council funding will be used to lay a basic cycle/walk track, and private fundraising by the NTCTT will improve sections to Grade 1 or 2, making them more accessible to families and novice riders.
The Ministry of Economic Development has pledged $150,000 for a connection from Riwaka to the Kaiteriteri Mountainbike Park. This extension should be finished by the end of the 2013 financial year. The Ministry has already given $2.146 million for the first stage of Tasman’s Great Taste Trail, plus another $29,000 for signage for a connecting route through Pigeon Valley to Woodstock. David says the NTCTT aims to raise “several million dollars”.
Projects underway include the 800k Group in Motueka, which is overseeing fundraising for the path from Mapua to Riwaka, and a “virtual trail” adoption scheme where donors “buy” a section of the trail – starting at 2 metres for $40. Some businesses are snapping up 1km sections, worth $20,000, and on-selling it in short pieces, he says. Future fundraising plans include a Heart of Biking membership programme, where members will receive access to special events and merchandise, amongst other benefits.
The Council has found the funding by reallocating money earmarked for Saxton Field facilities. Nelson City had already removed its share of the funding for these projects.
Meanwhile, the trail pushes on towards Brightwater. An 80-metre suspension bridge spanning the Wairoa River will have its official opening on 8 July 2012. The Council’s Development Engineer Dugald Ley says tenders will soon be called for a sister bridge over the Waimea River on the coastal route from Richmond to Mapua. Estuary paths and boardwalks are already taking shape.The completed trail will also tantalise tourists and locals alike with a ride through the old Spooners railway tunnel – New Zealand’s longest at 1.3km. It should be open in 2015.
The number of overseas cycle tourists coming to New Zealand has doubled since 2008. Tasman’s Great Taste Trail will tap into the economic benefits of this trend, enhancing the pulling power of Tasman District’s renowned natural assets. David says the financial spinoffs of the trail can already be seen in Mapua where the cycle ferry connects it with the Rabbit Island sections of track.The expanded trail will join the existing Great Rides, the national cycle path network.
David thanked the Council for its continued support. He was “chuffed” at the recognition of the trail’s importance, given the competing demands on Council funding.“Now let’s get to work.”