Monday 16 December, 2019
More than $100,000 has been secured to progress a community-initiated project to develop a region-wide recreation trail linking the five main Wairarapa towns.
The Wairarapa Trails Action Group (WTAG), a collaboration across the three district councils, has been working with the community trust which initiated the idea to develop the trail.
WTAG recently agreed to take over management of the project and is delighted to have secured $120,000 to progress on to next steps, including stakeholder and community consultation around a plan for where a proposed trail may run. The funding will also enable WTAG to engage a trail planning consultant.
WTAG Chair and Carterton Mayor, Greg Lang, said Wairarapa has an opportunity to become a world-class destination for trail enthusiasts.
“A connected trail throughout the Wairarapa would increase outdoor recreation opportunities, improve public health and well-being, and attract more visitors to the region,” Mr Lang said.
“Effectively, it’s about more people being more active by providing safe, affordable, accessible, year-round recreational trails.”
Mr Lang said the collaborative approach across the three Councils would help develop a shared vision for trail development and management.
“It’s been a long progress for the project to get to where it is now. The collaboration between our three councils has been fantastic and we’re excited about the next steps,” Lang said.
“A region-wide recreation trail would bring benefits to the whole Wairarapa region, and it’s great to have support from Wellington region as well.”
The $120,000 funding includes $30,000 from the Masterton District Council, $18,000 from the South Wairarapa District Council, $12,000 from Carterton District Council and $60,000 from the Trust House Foundation.
Masterton Mayor, Lyn Patterson, said the Council was pleased to support the project.
“We have more than 500 people a day using some of our local recreation trails in Masterton. Developing a regional trail that will attract visitors offers a significant opportunity for the Wairarapa economy.
“I’m looking forward to the feedback gathered during the upcoming stakeholder and community consultation.”
South Wairarapa Mayor Alex Beijen also was excited about the initiative.
“We see huge benefit to the Wairarapa Trails to the already burgeoning tourism industry in the Wairarapa.
“With hundreds of bicycles hired every weekend, cycle races, and the attraction of cycling on Wairarapa roads in general, these trails fit well and offer a huge opportunity for the future.”
ENDS
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Elisa Vorster
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