The Dunedin City Council (DCC) is reviewing its Signal Hill Recreation Reserve Management.
The plan sets out policies for the management and use of the reserve. The current plan was written in 2003. The Reserves Act requires councils to periodically review and update reserve management plans.
The plan update aims to enhance recreational use and enjoyment of Signal Hill Reserve and continue to keep users safe. Signal Hill has changed significantly in the past 19 years, with a greater range of recreation activities occurring within the reserve now. More people use the space and it has increased in size.
We’re seeking the views of reserve users and people interested in the reserve on how it may be improved, changed or managed differently.
The initial consultation in November 2020 asked the community for their opinion on the current plan – what works well, what could be improved and updated and what could be taken out.
We received a large number of submissions which provided useful feedback. These submissions have been reviewed and grouped into these five topics:
- Access and linkages
- Safety
- Biodiversity and landscape values
- Maintenance and management
- Current use and future development
We’ll be working on this project for the next year. Now we’re undertaking stage 2 of the consultation process in 2021 to check that last year’s feedback is still current and whether stakeholders want to change or add to it.
We’ll undertake public consultation in 2022 when residents will also be able to have their say on the draft plan during stage 3 of the review. We’ll keep stakeholders informed about progress on the plan.
Feedback on the Signal Hill Management Plan review Stage 1 feedback
In November 2020 we asked for help with Stage 1 of the Signal Hill management plan review and for feedback that will guide and influence the new draft plan.
Here is what you told us during Stage 1
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Summary of topics - 2020 feedback
Access and linkages Safety Biodiversity and landscape values Maintenance and management Current use and future development Signal Hill Road access. Conflict between users on tracks. More defined planting plans. Removal of vegetation along Signal Hill Road and around the monument. Critical area for mountain biking, trail running, orienteering and recreational walking. Recognition of access tracks developed by Mountain Bike Otago (MBO). Identification of conflict points and sign installation. Revegetation. Maintenance of service tracks. Recognition of the tourism value the track network has for the city hosting events. Establish links between Signal Hill and the Dunedin Cycle Network. Provision of better signs. Removal of the arboretum. Maintenance of access to the carpark off Butts Road. Develop a carpark and toilet facilities. Link Signal Hill to Opoho. Lack of adequate DCC signs. Removal of pest plants. DCC has not maintained tracks. Solidify the role of the area for mountain biking. Access for helicopters and emergency vehicles. Keep a record of accidents or near misses within the reserve. The primary purpose of the reserve is for recreation and some minor vegetation removal should be allowed. DCC to monitor track use to justify maintenance costs. Recognise MBO as frequent users and guardians and strengthen their position as a major stakeholder. Concern about the creation of tracks with no consultation with other users and overall planning. Maintain 4WD tracks to act as fire breaks. Recreation and revegetation development planned together. Control of animal pests. DCC has a strong relationship with MBO, with other users having very little consultation/relationship with the Council. Multi-use tracks are the default option. How does this fit with the current use of tracks on Signal Hill. Separate tracks for walkers and riders. Disappointment in the planting of the plateau. Elimination of gorse and other pest plants. Not a mountain bike park but a reserve for all users. Recognise all new tracks and provide for additional tracks. Encourage native bird species. Budgeting for maintenance of tracks. More jumps, endurance and downhill tracks. Allow for the closure of tracks for private events. Include MBO in any discussion on revegetation in the future. DCC to take a more active role in upkeep and maintenance. Provide enhanced sport and recreation facilities. Gaps in the track offering, develop tracks to fill gaps. Removal of signs when out-of-date. Enhanced as a recreational asset. Specific provision for vehicle access for private vehicles during approved events to enable clubs and event organisers to access required areas. DCC to be more transparent re contracts and maintenance level of tracks. Align plan with the development of the wider Logan Park area. Cross park connecting track from Opoho to Ravensbourne to promote walking and biking accessibility in Dunedin. Destination venue for sport and recreation. Publicly accessible up-to-date track database. - Improved access for people with physical impairment.
- Chair lift
- Luge
- Cable car gondola
- Pump track
- Negotiations with the quarry about purchase of land when they are finished with the land.
- Drinking fountains
- Accessible toilets
- Toilets top and bottom
- Information boards on pre/post-colonial history of Signal Hill at monument site. (Maori history and early Dunedin history)
- Development plan for Signal Hill over the next 10 years.
Signal Hill Recreation Reserve Management Plan 2020 review feedback
What you told us during the review of Stage 1 feedback 2021
The initial consultation in November 2020 asked the community for their opinion on the current plan – what works well, what could be improved and updated and what could be taken out.
We’re seeking the views of reserve users and people interested in the reserve on how it may be improved, changed or managed differently.
The feedback was open from Nov 29th until Dec 17th 2021 - no submissions were received.
Next steps (2021)
We’ll be working on this project for the next year. Now we’re undertaking stage 2 of the consultation process to check that last year’s feedback is still current and whether stakeholders want to change or add to it.
We’re holding workshops for stakeholders to discuss and develop their ideas further. And invite you to use the online feedback form to let us know your ideas and thoughts.