Central Otago multi-million dollar cycle trail project gets financial backing

Media Release

"The proposal to create a 536kim continuous cycle trail network by linking four existing Central Otago Great Rides - the Queenstown Trail, the Otago Central Rail Trail, the Roxburgh Gorge Trail and the Clutha Gold Trail - is the type of enhancement to the Great Rides we want to encourage."

Budget 2016 would provide $25 millon in additional funding over the next four years to ensure the New Zealand Cycle Trail, Nga Haerenga, continued to offer a world-class experience, Key said.

The investment was part of a $45 million tourism package in Budget 2016 to further support tourism's contribution to economic and job growth in regions across New Zealand.

"I think it is a great investment. it is an investment in the future, in jobs and opportunities for people. But, it is a lot of money for you to stump up with. It will be over a four to five year period, but we will match that. There is no question they are already internationally some of the greatest rides in the world and this is just going to make them absolutely the mecca for anyone who wants to come cycling."

Central Lakes Trust chief executive Paul Allison said the investment was a "game changer" for the region.

"The trust is going to commit $11.15m to the project. Putting that into context that is more than five times any single grant we have approved in the history of our trust. Two million is the biggest previously."

The investment would not impact negatively or disadvantage any future projects, he said.

"We are in a strong financial position. We have got reserves totaling more than that and our budget and grants process for the next few years will not change. It will remain at $6m-plus."

It been a "huge project" but inspirational one for the region, and involved team work, he said.

The Otago Community Trust had also partnered with the Central Lakes Trust and chairman Ross McRobie said the trust would commit $2m to the project. 

"The most important thing we have been able to do is work collaboratively with the Government and Central Lakes Trust to make this happen. The economic benefit of trails to our region is huge. We have already invested a substantial amount of money in our region on other trails as well. The beauty of this one is it is going to complete the trail network."

Key said the funding brought total Government investment in cycle trails to $85 million.

Stephen Jeffery, the chairman of the steering group for the project, said they were delighted with the announcement.

"This will be a fantastic regional asset, linking our communities for the first time - in fact, more than 80 per cent of residents would be within half an hour of the trail which is designed to pass through almost 30 local communities."

Trails Trust Patron Sir Eion Edgar said he was grateful to the trusts for their belief in the project and willingness to commit such large grants. 

Source: Stuff, JO MCKENZIE-MCLEAN