Page 30 - WaikaiaForestTrailsSummary

08.

Southland District Council Spaces and Places Strategy

Vision: “A treasured network of open spaces that celebrates and enhances our natural environment and is appreci-
ated and enjoyed by current and future generations”.

Key principles:
• Involve the community in managing spaces and places.
• Take the long view.
• Make the best use of spaces and places we already have.
• Evolve a sense of pride in Southland and our community.
• Ensure we use our resources wisely and work within financial constraints.
• Transparent and accountable decision making.
• Work with partners and stake holders to achieve outcomes.

Southland district plan also recognises the value of recreation in terms of social, environmental, cultural and eco-
nomic outcomes.

This project was identified and championed by the Ardlussa Community in conjunction with the Hokonui Riders
(MTB club based in Gore). The local community came to the Ardlussa community board with a need and a solution.
The need was for a more beginner/intermediate trail riding network without the constraints of other projects hap-
pening in the region. Public are currently excluded from the site and the development of a trail network would make
the site dual use and greatly enhance value to an area currently underutilised. This would enable both economic
benefit from forestry and an increase in tourism/ access to recreation.

Southland Cycling strategy

The cycling southland strategy created in 2018 covers cycling as a whole but also
addresses mountain biking specifically. Three key components identified in this
document were:
• More and improved facilities around population centres such as Gore.
• More beginner/intermediate trail offerings.
• Surveys showed a request for more professional standard mountain bike trails.
• Requests for wash down facilities and toilets.

https://icc.govt.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Southland-Cycling-Strategy-2018-04-16-Infrastructure-and-Ser-
vices-Southland-Cycling-Strategy-Appendix-1.pdf

“One of the main issues identified in the 2018 report, was the access to beginner/intermediate MTB trails for popula-
tion centres such as Gore, and the need for professional input to increase the desirability and sustainability of trails”

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