Cr Lee Vandervis noted proposed actions in the Dunedin City Council’s draft reserve management plan for the area included a cycle-pedestrian horizontal route through the length of the Town Belt and he doubted both the suitability of the terrain and that such a project could be affordable.
"The Town Belt covers most of the steepest, and most inhospitable, mountainous areas of Dunedin’s inner area ... Extensive bridges would actually be required to do it," he said.
"Why is it that we are investigating that when it’s simply not able to be done?"
Council staff responded an investigation did not yet exist — it was an idea suggested by a sector of the public and was part of a draft plan for consultation.
Several routes had been suggested, including next to Queens Dr, staff said.
Cr Carmen Houlahan said a cycle path could be "lovely", but she cautioned against getting people’s hopes up.
Several other councillors at yesterday’s strategy, planning and engagement committee meeting were more upbeat about the potential for what they described as a cherished city asset.
Cr Brent Weatherall said native bush close to the Octagon was "so underutilised it’s not funny".
"I can’t believe we’re talking negatively," he said.
"We need to utilise and develop the assets that we have," Cr Weatherall said.
Kevin Gilbert and Mandy Mayhem were two councillors who thought a cycle and pedestrian path was achievable.
Other proposed actions included increased storytelling and narratives of mana whenua, investigation of planting techniques and an ecological assessment.
The discussion came ahead of the proposed plan for the Town Belt being approved for public consultation.
Submissions opened today and close on October 23.
The Town Belt lies between Dunedin’s hill suburbs and city centre and it covers 202ha, preserving a fragment of forest and containing 22 sportsgrounds.
It has a network of tracks through woodland and parks, offering views of the city, harbour and surrounding hills.
The existing management plan was adopted in 2007.
Some feedback was sought in March this year and it was noted "community desires have evolved since 2007".
"Conservation, biodiversity and preservation of scenic values continue to be high priorities, while promotion of mana whenua values, sustainability and safer transport options have been more frequently requested," the draft plan said.
"Prioritisation of pedestrian and cyclist use for commuting and recreation are valued notably higher than the ‘scenic drive’," it said.
