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The next stage of walking and cycling network The Coastal Trail has been given the green light, thanks to a Rodney Local Board budget boost.
The new 2.2km-track will run between Matakana and Sharp Road, along the eastern side of Matakana Road.
Funding for the planning, design and consenting process has been promised as part of the local board’s $35.5-million budget for this financial year, which is being boosted by more than $8 million under Auckland Council’s new fairer funding policy to address historic underfunding (MM, Jun 23).
The Coastal Trail’s fundraising, marketing and community manager, Meg Eriksen, said it was great news that the next track section could get started, though added that more money would be needed to get it built.
“While this funding covers the vital planning stage, the construction itself will require further support,” she said.
“The estimated cost to build this section is over $2 million, and the trust will be launching a major fundraising effort to fund construction when the project is shovel-ready.”
In the meantime, she said the trust would be working closely with engineers, Auckland Council, Auckland Transport and local landowners over the next 12 to 18 months to finalise the route, develop design plans and secure necessary consents.
Rodney Local Board chair Brent Bailey said the $302,000 investment was about meeting community needs and recognising local efforts.
“We’ve heard loud and clear how important these projects are,” he said. “This funding helps empower the volunteers, organisations and local leaders working to build a better future for Rodney.”
The announcement comes as the latest trail section, from Point Wells to Matakana Country Park, nears completion.
Trail founder Allison Roe said the new 2km stretch had already been embraced by residents, visitors and local businesses.
“Seeing families out walking and cycling along the Point Wells section has been incredibly encouraging,” she said. “It shows how much safer and more connected our communities can be when infrastructure like this is in place.”
Michelle Eposti, whose honey business Beetopia is on the new Omaha Flats section, said she was already noticing benefits.
“We’ve definitely seen more people using the new cycle trail,” she said. “What was previously a pretty perilous road is now a much safer option for walkers and cyclists alike. It’s lovely to have people walking or biking into Beetopia – previously, most would have needed to come by car.”
The Coastal Trail trust aims eventually to create a walking and cycling trail connecting coastal communities from Pūhoi to Mangawhai, in a bid to boost local tourism, reduce transport pressure and provide a safer way to travel between communities and explore the region.
