Fishing News index > February 2007

Footbridge Access on Lake Dunstan Foreshore

The construction of a marina basin adjacent to Lake Dunstan near Pisa Moorings attracted submissions from both Fish and Game Otago and Clutha Fisheries Trust because of concerns about access.  Both organizations considered that access along the lake foreshore would be significantly impeded by the 800 metre walk required to get around the marina basin and associated harbour development.   The basin is linked to the lake by a canal.

The marina development’s consent was subsequently granted without a requirement to address the foreshore access issue so both the Trust and Fish and Game appealed to the Environment Court.  However, the matter has been quickly resolved out of court, with the developer agreeing to build a pedestrian footbridge so that continuous access is available along the lakeshore.

Lake Dunstan and the upper Clutha has been plagued by access issues in recent years, mostly resulting from development pressures.  Individually they may not amount to much but collectively they can limit and close off recreational options in some areas.  On the other hand small wins, such as the bridge agreement, quickly mount up to create an access and recreation friendly environment.