2009 AGM Chairmans Report
Annual General Meeting of theUpper Clutha Tracks Trust
14th October 2009
Heading towards Lake Hawea
KEY RESULTS
- Completion of Hawea River Track linking Albert Town and Hawea
- Completion of Stage 3 of the Millennium Track to Glendhu Bay
- Commenced construction of Clutha River Track linking Albert Town and Luggate
- Total of 28km of track completed or scheduled to be by the end of 2009-10-12
- Exceptional return on donated funds
Summary of Trust Activities for 2009
2009 has been a year of highs and lows. It was with great sadness that the Trust learned of John Pawson’s passing.
John was Chairman of the Trust from its inception until his death last August. It was John’s vision, tenacity and determination that saw the Trust undertake an ambitious development programme that is now coming to fruition. I doubt very much that the Trust would have been so bold had it not been for John’s confidence and foresight.
Following this very sad event, I was elected Chairman of the Trust and subsequently, Tom Rowley from Lake Hawea station was co-opted onto the Trust to bridge the gap between the Trust and farmer landowners that John had previously filled.
Tom Rowley has been a huge asset to the Trust allowing much improved dialogue and exchange of ideas between the Trust and farmers in the Upper Clutha region.
With the first section of the Hawea River track from the Hawea Bridge to Camphill Road completed by last summer, the Trust forged ahead with the remaining section of track and the swing bridge. The completion of this relied on securing major funding from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) that finally came through in March 2009. The funding of the remaining 53% of the project by NZTA allowed the tender to be let to Fulton Hogan who completed the bridge and track in time for the official opening on 2nd August.
The Hawea Track has far and away exceeded expectations for visitor numbers, being especially popular with residents from Hawea Flat and Albert Town.
Hawea Bridge From Butterfield Reserve 9th July
The completion of this track would not have been possible without the efforts of QLDC Project Manager Mark Symonds who spearheaded the design and tender process and the ongoing support of the adjoining landowners, Peter and Dawn Ward and the Emmerson Family and Forest Range Limited.
Behind the scenes work on development of Stage 3 of the Millennium Track, or Glendhu Bay track as it has become known continued throughout 2008 and early 2009. With funding in place, Mark Symonds completed a rigorous specification and the tender for construction was awarded to J W Sutton. Construction of the track from Glendhu Bay car park to Damper Bay was completed in September this year and although not linked to the start of the Millennium Track as yet, Fulton Hogan working for the Otago Regional Council will complete the missing link by November 2009.
Wanaka Millennium Track near Glendhu Bay
We believe the Glendhu Bay track will be a major asset and form possibly one of New Zealand’s best day walks. Sections of the track traverse steep terrain near Damper Bay with stunning views into the lake below and towards Mou Waho Island. The track is designed for walking and cycling and is fully contained within QLDC reserve.
Our third project, the Clutha River Track from Albert Town to Shortcut Road, Luggate is well underway, with DOC Wanaka managing the construction process, and some parts of it already open as poled routes. The new bridge over the Cardrona River adjoining River Run lodge has recently been completed and construction of the track from here through Halliday’s Bluff will commence soon. We anticipate by mid summer the route will be operational. This track will provide a gentle meander near the mighty Clutha River through mature stands of Kanuka, and provide superb access for fishing and picnicking close to town.
A crane lowers the Cardrona Bridge onto its foundations.
Future Projects for 2009 and Beyond
The Trust is nearing the end of its first round of projects, and during 2009 asked the public for input on where new tracks should be built.
From this process the Trust ahs drawn up a shortlist of projects as follows:
- Hawea Township to John’s Creek
- Red Bridge to the Nook & Luggate via Luggate Creek
- Glendhu Bay Car park to Glendhu Bay campground
These three projects are a direct result of the clear demand for tracks that link communities and popular recreation areas.
The Trust is always seeking new ways to raise funds for these exciting projects that we have in mind, and have recently been lucky to be given or promised some private donations. As the Trust is a registered charity, any donation made can be set against the donors income tax liability. The Trust welcomes donations, either financial or of skills, and would be happy to be the recipients of any local fundraising events.
In total the Trust will be seeking up to $290,000 to complete these 8km of track, which will include a bridge similar to one over the Cardrona River. The Trust has already completed feasibility studies on these projects and has some funds in hand. With luck, these projects will take shape within the next year.
Once completed it will be possible to walk or ride from John’s Creek on the eastern side of Lake Hawea to Glendhu Bay campground, and then via the Motatapu Track to Arrowtown. Or ride from Glendhu Bay to Luggate following the shore of Lake Wanaka and the Clutha River.
National Cycleway Projects
The Trust has already made application to the Ministry of Tourism who administer John Key’s National Cycleway monies. The Trust proposes a track from Luggate following the Clutha River to Clyde via Cromwell and Bannockburn. While this project is very much in its early stages, the Trust is very excited to be involved and we await a decision form the ministry in February next year.
The Trust looks forward to the challenges of the coming year with enthusiasm and confidence that comes from having successfully completed major projects that will have a lasting contribution to the Upper Clutha Community.
Chairman
Email Info@uctt.org.nz
Trustees
Tim Dennis Chairman Ph 443 5733 tim@uctt.org.nz
John Wellington Treasurer Ph 443 8183 john@uctt.org.nz
Grant Fyfe Secretary Ph 443 0800 Grant@uctt.org.nz
Helen Tait Ph 443 6180 Helen@uctt.org.nz
Rachel Brown Ph 443 5907 Rachel@uctt.org.nz
Tom Rowley Ph 443 1744 Tom@uctt.org.nz