Whale trail bridge passes flood testing
have some responsibility to fund it . . . we will wait and see.’’ He said it was likely Clarence to Mangamaunu would become an ‘‘alpine experience’’ through the valley as it could not be along the seaside route.
The Whale Trail is designed to be easily accessed from several entry and exit points. It will combine new cross-country trails across hills, existing paths and quiet country roads. The trust will also work with iwi to develop a cultural interpretation along the trail. Toilets will be constructed every 10-15km and regular rest breaks every 5-10km.
More than a third of the route is owned by Kiwirail, Waka Kotahi NZTA, NCTIR and the Department of Conservation but another third will require agreements with private landowners. About 10 per cent of the route could use existing pathways. The ‘‘shovel-ready’’ project has received $18m funding from the Government’s regional economic development organisation, Ka¯ noa – RDU.
The Government also paid for the technical study to identify the route, cost the project and develop a business case.
The Marlborough District Council has committed $2m for the section of the trail within Marlborough’s boundary.
We stand by our reporting that Frith Chamberlain declined to be interviewed about her Voices for Freedom membership. She acknowledged her membership only after being asked several times.
Regarding the published article about truck parking problems in Picton, (September 2). It was mentioned as a ‘‘no brainer’’; got that right. Problem being, typical of governmental authorities, there are no brains.
First of all, for many decades, we have not had a rail system to speak of – one vessel with rail tracks, meaning, of course, more trucks. Many, many decades ago, there were restrictions on trucks versus rail. But with no efficient rail system, bring on the trucks. At the moment, Interislander has one-anda-half vessels operating. Whenever there is any excess puff of wind, or swell over six metres, someone in an office says stop sailing. So, where to from here? Get proper vessels on the run, way before the proposed two new ones. After all of the above, improve the rail system.