"Scenic corridor" plan holds up work on domain

Taupo Times, Volume 23, Issue 46, 11 June 1974, Page 3

"Scenic corridor" plan holds up work on domain

Further development of Motutere Domain on the eastern side of State Highway 1 is being held up by the proposed "scenic corridor" round the shore of Lake Taupo. The Taupo County Council decided last week to defer the domain development until a definite time-table has been given by the Ministry of Works and Development for the 18 miles of realignment between Waitahanui and Motuoapa. It is expected to be anything up to 20 years before the "scenic corridor" is completed. Further development of Motutere Domain will be determined when the M.W.D. programme is finalised. In the meantime, an overall plan of development of the domain will Te prepared, assuming relocation of the State highway. Existing facilities are to be upgraded and sevvage disposal, reticulation of povver to 30 existing sites, and improvements to toilet and washing facilities will be carried out this winter. The council also resolved "That urgency be accorded to the scenic corridor

proposals, particularly as they aftect the Motutere Domain." Flexibility in future planning will allovv for possible leasing of the area for development by private interests. The leasing of Reid's Farm domain just north of Taupo has been considered by the council's reserves committee. This week, the council decided. that its executive staff vvould discuss with any applicant the probable conditions and require-

ments under which a lease vvould be granted. Early this year, the council considered closing the camping ground at Reid's Farm because of vandalism. The area is popoia r for its free camping sites, but facilities are inadequate. The question of leasing the domain for development as a camping ground came up when the council was approached by a married couple interested in such a proposal.