Mataura River Crossing Project

Would Gore residents like a cycling and walking bridge across the Mataura River, or not?

That is the question the Gore District Council needs help answering as it investigates ways to get high-quality drinking water across the river.

The Council is considering whether to build a bridge to carry two water pipes between its new East Gore water treatment plant and the Jacobstown Wells, or whether to drill and bury the pipes under the riverbed.

Currently, a third of Gore residents are missing out on water that meets national drinking water standards.

3 Waters Asset Manager Matt Bayliss said the Council was inviting feedback on possible options to investigate further. He encouraged people to get involved.

“We appreciate that we moved too quickly a couple of years ago on a planned bridge near Surrey Street, which would have carried the water, as well as pedestrians and cyclists, over the river.

“We’re keen to do things better this time and involve mana whenua and the community, so we have gone back to the drawing board to look at various options.”

A recent independent report covered 13 possible options and various locations for a bridge. It favoured either drilling the waterpipes under the river at Maitland Street or building a combined bridge and pipeline in one of four locations - Maitland Street, Rock Street, Surrey Street or Halton Street.

“Before we spend money on additional technical investigations to decide on an option, we want to know if people want a walking and cycling bridge across the river,” Mr Bayliss said.

“Or do they simply want the water to get where it needs to go?”

The Council was also keen to understand people’s thoughts on the four bridge locations.

“It’s important to note that if we do move ahead with a bridge in one of the locations, we won’t be using the earlier design at Surrey Street, which had an unacceptably high visual impact on nearby residents.”

People can share their thoughts online, by filling out a feedback form or attending one of four drop-in sessions planned for March.

Feedback is open from Sunday March 19 until 5:00pm, Friday April 21.

People will find all the information, including an interactive map, and feedback form on the Council’s engagement HQ Let’s Talk. The page goes live on Sunday 19 March.

Drop-in sessions

People are invited to drop into one of four sessions during the times below and meet the project team.

• Sunday 19 March – On the Fly Mataura River Festival, Walnut Grove. 11:00am – 1:00pm
• Friday 24 March – Eccles Street Playground. 11:00am – 1:00pm
• Monday 27 March – East Gore Primary School 2:30pm – 4:00pm
• Wednesday 29 March – Irk Street. 11:00am – 1:00pm

The Council will review the feedback and decide which options to investigate, with further consultation planned as the project progresses.