Tuapeka Recreation Reserve
The Lawrence Bike Club is also allowed to use the reserve with a temporary agreement in place until 30 May 2023. The agreement includes conditions on its use and will be reviewed after this date and, if needed, adjustments may be made.
What are the Lawrence Bike Club's conditions of use?
- The Lawrence Bike Club will agree event days, duration, frequency and access with Lawrence Gymkhana Club to ensure shared access with all reserve users, both regular and casual, including possible future users. All major/community traditional events on the reserve take precedent.
- The Lawrence Bike Club will communicate with the Lawrence community ahead of time so there is good awareness of the club’s events and activities at the reserve.
- The Lawrence Bike Club will letter drop immediate neighbours pre and mid season to ensure awareness of what’s planned.
- Lawrence Bike Club will install signage in three places, detailing club rules, safety requirements and behaviour expectations.
Why did Council develop this agreement?
A draft reserve management plan for the Lawrence-Tuapeka Ward was prepared in June 2021. As part of this process, the community raised concerns over use of the Tuapeka Recreation Reserve for motocross activity.
Ninety-five submissions were received. Feeling in the community on this issue is strong, with some strongly in favour and others fiercely opposed.
The Lawrence-Tuapeka Reserve Management Plan was amended and adopted in late 2021. It included provisions for motocross activity. At the same time, it was identified that a management plan should be developed for motocross activity.
Council hired an independent reviewer to investigate this issue and find the right approach going forward. Consultation has been extensive, with more than 120 stakeholders, individuals, community leaders and community groups spoken to.
As part of work to establish a management plan, there has been comprehensive engagement with the community, including over 120 individuals, community leaders and community groups.
Stakeholders have been involved in the process and there has been expert advice to ensure the best outcome. This has included consideration of noise monitoring, past complaints and legal advice.
A new agreement between the Lawrence Gymkhana Club and Lawrence Bike Club has been reached that aims to find balance so the bike club can continue to use the reserve, while concerns are also addressed. This has been approved by Clutha District Council.
The bike club’s activity will likely draw visitors from outside of Lawrence, bringing economic benefits.
How do I make a complaint regarding the use of the reserve?
The Lawrence Gymkhana Club will set up a complaint resolution policy however in the meantime If you wish to complain about any concerns you have regarding the use of the reserve you can do this via Council's Service Request or call Council on 0800 801 350.
Can other activities utilise the reserve
New activities and other clubs are also encouraged to use this community reserve.
As well as motocross, the bike club encourages BMX and other bike activities at which promotes healthy, outdoor, family orientated sport at this location.
The town is also visited by recreational motorcyclists and a number of Clutha Gold Trail cyclists. This is separate to the Lawrence Bike Club’s focus.
