Rowing pushes new 2km course

Rowing enthusiasts are campaigning to ensure a proposal for a man-made rowing course is included in the Christchurch City Council's spending plans.

A 2km flat-water course has been proposed by Canterbury Rowing for Hendersons Basin, a flood plain in south-west Christchurch.

Canterbury Rowing regional manager John Wylie is calling on sports groups and residents to urge the council to include the proposal in the annual spending plan. "At the moment it has to get back on the long-term plan. We will be making submissions and encouraging all our sports groups to make sure we get on it."

The council's draft annual spending plan is out for public consultation until April 21.

The Hendersons Basin scheme is an alternative to a course planned for Lake Isaac, which is opposed by Christchurch International Airport due to birdstrike fears.

Wylie hopes the Lake Isaac backers will support the Hendersons Basin scheme, which has won airport approval.

The council is exploring the Hendersons Basin scheme as part of an ambitious sports plan launched last week.

The council also plans to upgrade water sports facilities at Kerrs Reach, on the Avon River, while the Hendersons Basin project is under consideration.

Wylie said the project could be funded by using spoil excavated during construction of the water course to raise nearby flood-plain land so it is suitable for housing.

- © Fairfax NZ News