Frustrations grow as golfers can't access course
A map showing the Amberley Beach Golf Club's proposed extension to Grierson Avenue in red. Image: Supplied by Hurunui District Council
Amberley golfers have called on the Hurunui District Council to get on with building a new access road to their golf course.
In a submission to the council on Tuesday, June 10, Amberley Beach Golf Club president Bruce Yates and club member Paul Wylie called for access to their golf course to be restored.
The main access to the golf course has been lost due to coastal erosion at the southern end of Golf Links Road.
A recent golf tournament had to be cancelled, while a number of visitors to the course on King's Birthday had to be rescued as their vehicles became stuck in the mud, Mr Yates said.
Access to the golf course is now by four-wheel-drive or on foot.
The council received a resource consent from Environment Canterbury on Monday, June 9, to install culverts on two wetlands which would allow for the extension of Grierson Avenue and provide long term access to the golf course and club house.
It would also secure access to mahinga kai areas in the Waimaiaia Reserve, and the Waipara River mouth.
''We are asking you to act now,'' Mr Wylie said.
''We don't need to wait. Work can begin immediately if there is the will.''
The club has been lobbying the council to take action for the last two years.
Mr Yates said sea level rise effectively meant most club members no longer had access to the golf course.
''It is too late to think about maintaining the road. Repairs are futile.''
Mr Yates said the golf club would make some land available for the road, which will have an impact on car parking.
Erosion is a long term problem for the Amberley Beach settlement.
The Amberley Beach golf course. Photo: Supplied / LDR
Amberley Beach resident Paula Le Compte reminded councillors that residents were paying a targeted rate to fund a bund to protect the community from the sea.
She noted the golf club was not contributing towards the bund.
Last year the council back a residents' proposal to debt fund the cost of building a new bund, as part of its Amberley Beach Coastal Adaptation Plan, with residents paying a targeted rate.
A bund is a type of embankment which protects against the sea.
The council received 43 submissions, with 35 making reference to the issues of road access to the golf course and the majority requesting an extension of Grierson Avenue.
A roading budget of $13.5m is proposed this year, with $7.5m from rates, after the council received less than half of the subsidy of $12.2m it had requested from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
An average rate rise of 3.3% has been proposed, with the council due to meet again on June 24 to adopt the annual plan.
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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