Funding sought for walking track

Funding is being sought for the second stage of a walking track on Stewart Island.

The Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Board agreed this week to move forward an application of $130,720, to the Stewart Island Rakiura Visitor Levy Fund, for stage 2 of the Horseshoe Bay walking track project.

However, the board did not agree to approve an application of $139,345 to the fund for a Dundee St footpath installation project, deciding to defer the decision for a year.

Board deputy chairperson Steve Lawrence said stage 2 of the track project would be a continuation of an existing track that was finished this year.

‘‘The two projects together would have been more than the total funding available from the visitor levy, so one had to be prioritised and the board’s decision was it should be the Horseshoe Bay walking track.’’

The Dundee St footpath project needed to be done in the future, he said.

‘‘It’s just a case of waiting until funds are available before an application is made.’’

The levy fund is available for activities and facilities used by, or for the benefit of, visitors to the island.

‘‘But there’s no reason why it can’t benefit the local community as well. So these kinds of projects [walking tracks and footpaths] are ideal because it covers everybody, everybody gains from it,’’ Lawrence said.

More sealed tracks and footpaths helped with pedestrian safety on the island, he added.

‘‘The long term plan is to get as many sealed [tracks] and paths in as possible.’’

Stewart Island/Rakiura has a visitor levy of $5.

‘‘The long term plan is to get as many sealed [tracks] and paths in as possible.’’ Steve Lawrence The Stewart Island/Rakiura Community Board deputy chairperson