Dudding Lake future in balance

Dudding Lake

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Rangitikei Mail

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At least four, possibly more, people will be telling Rangitikei District councillors about what should be done with Dudding Lake on Wednesday afternoon at a meeting called to listen to oral submissions.

The lake and campground facilities are on State Highway 3 between Turakina and Bulls in Rangitikei.

Last week chief executive officer Clare Hadley said there is a 50-50 split between submitters on which option to go with in regards to the Rangitikei recreational identity. She said some felt the property has the potential to be an income earner and others didn't see it providing that at all.

According to a summary of the draft Dudding Lake management plan, there are two options – either to return it to a recreation park preserving its original intention or retaining and upgrading camping facilities there. The two options have been offered to Rangitikei residents for comment during a one-month public consultation period.

The first option would cost $8000 annually as the caretaker and house would be removed and facilities would be improved to a higher quality to allow easier maintenance.

The second option would cost $60,000 a year as the caretaker would be retained, upgrading facilities and creating weather-proof concrete areas for caravan users. Funding would come from ratepayers with those district-wide paying 25 per cent while Marton ward ratepayers would pay 75 per cent and park users 5 per cent of total operating costs.

In spring 2008, councillors allowed a year for action to be taken on the property as the lake's future had been the focus of many discussions around the council table over several years.

After the council's decision the Marton Lions Club became involved in the discussions helping to host a public meeting on April 1 this year at Marton School. More than 50 people handed councillors and staff a resounding "no" to the idea of selling Dudding Lake.

Last month, a public meeting was held at Memorial Hall in Marton, attended by some Rangitikei residents and others from outside from outside the district.

Councillors will make a decision at the next council meeting at the end of November.

Copies of the submissions are available at libraries and service centres.