River walkway to kickstart Ohakune project group

Ruapehu Bulletin, 24 June 1997, Page 1

River walkway to kickstart Ohakune project group

Short and long term goals for Ohakune were identified at a meeting of the new group, 'Ohakune 2000', held Tuesday last week at the Council building. One of the first projects the group has decided to embark on is the establishment of a walkway along the Mangawhero River, linking the town and the Junction. Although the planning is at a formative stage, it was felt that such a walkway would have enormous appeal, for those just wanting a leisurely stroll but also for people who wished to use it for jogging. With the exercise enthu'siast inTUind it was felt that it would be a good idea to establish exercise stations along the route. This was an idea that had become very popular in similar situations overseas. Deryck Brown was nominated to take responsibility for the project, an interest he admitted to being delighted to take on. He suggested that the walkway had considerable historic significance and the route be named something along the lines of; "The memorial walk to the pioneers of the mountain road." For its success there would have to be involvement by the community and it was felt that a lot of Ohakune people would think this was a worthwhile project and get behind it. It was also noted that this was an idea that had been mooted before, as part of the Mainstreet programme. Another benefit of this project would be as a learning curve for the new incorporated society. "We will be exploring all possible avenues to secure financial assistance," said one of the group John McCarthy. "That is the advantage of having a formally constituted body. It is now up to us to establish exactly what monies are available for initiatives like this one."

More projects Other projects include: • Car parking for the town to be arranged in conjunction with a general beautification of the business area, possibly through a revitalisation of Mainstreet. • It was generally felt that the current rubbish services situation wasiiot satisfactory, and concem was expressed from a rural perspective about apparent injustices associated with the proposed levy. • The group received a presentation on what would be required for the development of an airport suitable for the needs of this district, in terms of preferred location, length of runway, and potential funding. • The group feels that in terms of road signage, Ohakune was "verging on a mystery destination" and that this is not appropriate for a tourist town and the group would be seeking advice on how to best remedy the situation. • Ohakune being a tourist town warrants a specific mention on the weather map, believes the group, especially for the winter trade. It was felt we had a strong case especially with TV 1 as mountain weather was often totally different to that experienced elsewhere in the wider region. • An approach is to be made to the council to investigate the logistics of a relocation of council staff and resources to the southern end, where appropriate, to ensure better service and an equity of spending in the area from council-funded pay packets. Mr McCarthy said as a first meeting it was very positive, there was genuine enthusiasm for the area and a willingness to push to make things happen. The next meeting, which will include election of officers and a steering committee, is at the council building, 7:00pm Tuesday 1 July. He said all are welcome, especially people who have good ideas for Ohakune.