The debate arose during a discussion about a proposed new recreational walking track using the town’s Clutha River flood bank, which is controlled by the Otago Regional Council (ORC). Councillors were asked to decide between three surface options for the proposed track, ranging in cost from $126,018 for boxed gravel to $494,500 for concrete. Cr Bruce Vollweiler, a Waihola farmer, favoured the box gravel option, and argued against retaining sheep. Cr Alison Ludemann also spoke in favour of the box gravel option, while avoiding the contentious issue of sheep droppings. The council voted 11:3 against the box gravel option, and requested further guidance be sought from the ORC before it made a final decision.

Source: Otago Daily Times October 16, 2020 15:32 UTC