Summit Road survey protests "noted”

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32977, 25 July 1972, Page 15

Summit Road survey protests "noted”

Letters of protest from three groups concerned about proposals to complete the Summit Road between Gebbie’s Pass and Hilltop were received by the Mount Herbert County Council at its meeting on Friday.

Ecology Action condemned the use of a bulldozer by the Akaroa County Council in making a survey of the route and said that, in the absence of a satisfactory explanation, it would consider taking action to stop the work. The council could pacify the opposition by providing walking or pony tracks. The New Zealand Scenery Preservation Society protested in similar terms, saying that a damage bush reserves and lead to vandalism. The Summit Walk Committee objected to the use of reading funds to help to pay for the survey, and enclosed copies of letters of protest sent to the Minister of Works (Mr Allen) and the Minister of the Environment (Mr Maclntyre). “In the main, I go with what they say,” said Mr C. C. Manson. “Everybody expects to sit on their backside. A walking track would at least be a health benefit. Putting in a bulldozer to do a survey is

a pretty odd way of doing it.” “It saves the surveyors walking,” said Cr C. E. Jenkins.

Cr D. J. Blakely said that the original idea was to investigate the possibility of completing the Summit Road. When that had been done, it would be time to answer the letters. “Sudden” interest

Cr Jenkins said that it surprised him that "all of a sudden, everyone wants to go walking.” In 40 years in the locality he had never seen anyone walking on the track. Why deprive those unable to walk of a chance to see the reserves? That was what reserves were for. “Lots of people get on these hill tracks, and don’t know where they are walking to,” said Cr Blakely.

The chairman (Mr E. R. Radcliffe) said that the tracks had always been there for walking, but were little used save by tramping club members and some individuals.

He thought the protesting groups were adopting a selfish attitude because the investigation had not been completed. The road provided one of the best views in New Zealand, and people should not be deprived of the opportunity to see for themselves.

“I would imagine that if the councils (Akaroa, Wairewa, and Mount Herbert) decided to build the road, every care would be taken in its construction, with a full knowledge of the need to preserve the environment, to take care with the alignment, and to do landscaping. "I don’t think the Akaroa County Council (which is doing the survey) is being irresponsible. The survey is being done with the full knowledge of the landowners, and you must have access to make a survey. I favour the road going through. It will be scenic, and a benefit to the farmers.”

Threats deplored Cr R. F. G. Gardiner said the groups were looking for “whipping-boys.” He objected to the threats made by Ecology Action.

“I don’t think they are justified,” said Mr Radcliffe. “The councils would be pleased to give them a hearing, and every consideration. This is just another example of controversial Christchurch.” On his motion, seconded by Cr Jenkins, file council “took note” of the views expressed, and agreed to consider them when proposals were being discussed with the other councils.