Council promises land update

Moeraki landowners and other interested parties will receive a further written update on land stabilisation issues from Waitaki District Council before Christmas.

The latest update follows an earlier letter and an open meeting for Moeraki residents organised by the council in early September.

Waitaki District Council assets manager Neil Jorgensen said council officers will outline in the letter what building work can be done and by whom.

"A high-level hazard report of the Moeraki area, which was prepared by Tonkin and Taylor, was presented at the September meeting," he said.

"The latest letter will focus on progress to date."

Since the September meeting, Moeraki tourist operator Barry Johnston has questioned the lack of reporting to residents by the council.

"Rather than hear about updates in the media, we would like to hear it first hand from the council," he said.

"The meeting in September was inconclusive and the feeling was that we (landowners) were being dictated to.

"As an example, there is about $11,000 in rates paid for the land where the Moeraki Tavern is situated and we see very little in return for our money."

Mr Johnston said he was also disappointed in the state of Haven St - the main road in and out of Moeraki. "The road is a disgrace and continues to deteriorate and is quite scary for visitors who are unfamiliar with the road. "We feel as though the council has simply closed its doors on the issues of Moeraki."

The current state of Haven St was referred to Mr Jorgensen, who responded by saying that Haven St will get its usual pre-Christmas maintenance work, including a coat of seal.

The council is also looking at options to improve visibility as well as better signage to inform visitors to Moeraki of the condition of the road.

"We know that the Moeraki community are very keen for vehicle access to Moeraki to be made better," he said.

"The current road access is difficult to maintain, there are land stability issues and there is no silver bullet for a solution.

"The council will continue to work through the issues and is committed to improving access to Moeraki in the long-term."