Thursday 10 September 2009

Official opening for new Karoro Creek / Ahuriri Flat seal

Deputy PM to open roads

A mass ride through of motorcycles will provide a spectacular backdrop when the Clutha District Council officially opens the newly sealed Karoro Creek and Ahuriri Flat roads on Saturday September 19.

The two roads are part of the Kaka Point loop of the Southern Scenic Route, connecting the township (and the iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse Road) to the Owaka Highway and The Catlins.

The newly sealed roads will be officially opened by Deputy PM and Local MP Bill English at the Willsher Bay Domain at 1pm on Saturday 19 September 2009. Karoro Creek Road will be closed from about 12.45pm to 1.10pm to allow for the 1pm ribbon cutting, so anyone intending on travelling from the Owaka Highway end to attend the ribbon cutting should allow themselves the extra travel time to ensure they can get through.

Mayor Juno Hayes said that following the ribbon cutting, there will be a mass ride through of motorcycles from the Penguin Motorcycle Rally, which should make for an impressive spectacle.

The $1.65 million sealing project was funded with assistance from the Regional ‘R’ Fund, made available by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) through the extra 5c fuel tax which has been levied per litre of fuel sold since 2005.

Through the fund, NZTA pays about $1.16m of the total project cost. The remaining $0.49m is funded by Council by way of a loan.

Mayor Hayes said the 4.84km sealing of Karoro Creek Road and 0.84km sealing of Ahuriri Flat Road had created a much safer travelling environment for locals and tourists alike.

All Kaka Point/Nuggets residents, as well as the wider community, are invited to attend the official opening.

Background Information on the Penguin Rally

The Penguin Rally is a motorcycle rally in its ninth year. It initially began as a birthday celebration for local resident Pete Davey with a group of mates. Now, hundreds of riders take part each year. The Owaka Lions assists with catering and proceeds go back to the Willsher Bay Domain. For more information on the Penguin Rally, please contact Pete Davey on (03) 412 8240.