St Bathans Village lies at the head of the Manuherikia Valley and is renowned for its heritage including gold mining relics, heritage buildings and the Blue Lake.
Gold mining was a significant industry in the 1860’s with at its peak a booming town had two banks and police station 15 pubs, a cottage hospital, courthouse, two churches and two schools. Miners sluiced away a 120 metre hill, known as the “Glory Hole” leaving a 69 metre deep hole which is today known as the Blue Lake.
Today St Bathans has a handful of permanent residents, holiday cribs and the one pub. The surrounding area including Cambrians and St Bathans Downs is characterised by high country pastoral farming – particularly of merino sheep, cattle and deer.
Some of the key points that came out of the plan include:
- Assess the need and impact of sealing the remaining half of Loop Road.
- Lower the speed limit through the village
- Complete the Council report on wastewater disposal issues and refer to this when looking at future options for wastewater disposal.
- Advocate for continued water monitoring of the Blue Lake.
- The Community Association liaise with DOC and Council regarding the provision of a new toilet.
- The working group liaises with DOC on the future of the hall.
- Develop rules and guidelines for future subdivision and building construction in the st Bathans area.
- Undertake an independent environmental assessment of the Blue Lake and develop a management plan based off this.
- Assess and identify options for developing and maintaining local walkways in the area in consultation with Doc and other parties.
To view the St Bathans Community Plan click here.