The Alexandra area is at the junction of the Clutha River and the Manuherikia River and the junction of State Highway, 8 and 85. It is 20 minutes east of Cromwell, 25 minutes west of Roxburgh and one hour from Ranfurly. It is two and quarter hours (200km) to Dunedin and Invercargill.
Alexandra is strategically located. It is at the junction of the rivers and also at the junction of the State Highways. It is the funnel that much of the southern traffic from coastal areas passes through to get to the Southern Lakes districts. Being centrally located, Alexandra has become the administration centre for the Central Otago area. Alexandra remains an important service centre for the horticulture, pastoral and viticulture industries, along with an increasing number of tourism activities.
The Community Plan covers the Alexandra township, the area of Conroys Gully, parts of Earnscleugh, Gilligans Gully, Letts Gully, Springvale and Galloway areas.
Alexandra is renowned for its great climate, its recreational opportunities, and for being a great domestic holiday spot, with its central location. The town has steadily grown over the years to its current population of approximately 4,500 people and in the summertime sees the population increase to more than 7,000 people with visitors, holidaymakers and seasonal workers in the area.
Some of the key points that came out of the plan include:
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Develop and implement an action plan that aims to strengthen Alexandra’s position as the hub for cyclists in Central Otago
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Encourage businesses to support new tracks and trails in the area
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Support the development of a replica of the Alexandra Railway Station (led by the Alexandra Lions Group)
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Support existing and encourage more cultural and community events
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Develop our rivers and riverbanks so that they are more accessible for tourism and recreational purposes
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Investigate what the main causes of pollution are to our rivers and waterways
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Explore what is needed by education providers to set up in Alexandra
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Work with community to identify added value business opportunities to be established in the town
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Investigate and support ultrafast broadband and free wi-fi initiatives
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Work with our neighbouring communities to attract new businesses to the area
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Develop our goldfield and dredging history for tourism
To view the Alexandra Community Plan click here.