Golf Course Access Road Stalemate ContinuesGolf Course Access Road Stalemate Continues Despite ongoing discussions, progress remains slow on resolving the future access road to the Amberley Beach Golf Club in Canterbury. Negotiations Underway Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie has been engaged in talks with golf club members to determine “a way forward for the consent process.” The club has verbally agreed to a procedure, with written confirmation pending. Consent Process and Costs The council will shoulder the expenses of the approval process and hiring a consultant. However, no agreement has been reached regarding the cost of purchasing the land required for the road. Environmental Concerns Building a road through the Grierson Avenue wetland would contravene national environmental standards for freshwater. Consequently, an environmental impact assessment, ecological assessment, and hydrological assessment of the wetland are necessary. Alternative Option An alternative option of connecting Webbs and Hursley Terrace Road has been explored, providing access to most of the course but not the clubhouse. This would also secure access to nearby reserves and the Waipara River Estuary. Stalled Progress Despite the need for a solution, discussions have stalled. The golf course remains under threat from coastal erosion, and the community awaits a resolution to ensure its continued accessibility. LDR Reporting This article was reported by David Hill, a Local Democracy Reporter (LDR), a local journalism organization co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
A map showing possible options to access the course at Amberley Beach Golf Club. The golf club’s Grierson Ave option is red, while the council’s alternative is orange. Image: Supplied by Hurunui District Council
Slow progress continues to be made on resolving the future access road to a golf course in Canterbury.
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said he had been speaking to members of Amberley Beach Golf Club to agree ”a way forward for the consent process”.
The 18-hole course is under threat from coastal erosion. In August last year, the council agreed to a study into the possibility of extending Grierson Avenue through the narrowest part of a wetland.
The proposal would provide access to the club’s golf course and clubhouse, as well as to the mahinga kai areas within the Waimaiaia Reserve and the Waipara River Estuary.
Mr Dobbie said the club had verbally agreed to a procedure and he was awaiting written confirmation from the club.
The costs of the approval process and hiring a consultant would be borne by the council, he said.
No agreement has yet been reached on the cost of purchasing the land, but Mr Dobbie said he would contact the landowner.
A report from the May council meeting states that staff met with Environment Canterbury staff and members of the golf club in April to discuss the requirements for the consent.
An environmental impact assessment, an ecological assessment and a hydrological assessment of the wetland are required.
Building a road through a natural inland wetland would likely violate national environmental standards for freshwater.
Officials estimate it would cost $1.155 million to meet permitting requirements for the road’s construction.
An alternative option has been considered to connect Webbs and Hursley Terrace Road from the north side to Golf Links Road.
This option would ensure access to most of the course, but not to the clubhouse, and would reduce the course to 16 holes.
It would also secure access to the Waimaiaia Reserve and the Waipara River Estuary.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
■ LDR is a local journalism organisation co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
