The Dunedin Amenities Society

Consultations are in train for an update of the Town Belt Management Plan.  The Society was closely involved with the creation of the original plan in 2007.

The draft copy of the updated plan was provided by the staff of the DCC and it called for submissions which closed on October 24. The draft plan had a distinct bias against motoring in the Town Belt and postured the notion of Queens Drive becoming a pedestrian and cyclist domain with  the possible exclusion of vehicles.

The Society has lodged a submission and looks forward to the hearing when it can address the full Council.

Our submission’s central plank is that the reserve status of the Town Belt means it is for the enjoyment of all citizens, motorists included.  There are many people who cannot walk or cycle and for whom a car is the only way to enjoy the pleasures of the reserve.  Of equal importance is that Dunedin is most fortunate whereby it has a wending Queens Drive along the entire length of the Town Belt and which many citizens enjoy using as a pleasurable commuter alternative and/or leafy drive.

The ability to motor along Queens Drive must be preserved. It is a treasured feature of life in Dunedin which has been enjoyed by generations.  It is important that this unique asset is available for generations of citizens to come.