Latest news with #ProjectTohu
Otago Daily Times
29-05-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Trees may be replaced in reserve
Wilding trees infesting a reserve on Queenstown Hill could be felled and replaced with native and exotic species. A draft forestry management plan for the 109ha reserve, which overlooks central Queenstown and Frankton Rd, was unanimously approved for public consultation at a full council meeting in Arrowtown yesterday. A report for councillors by parks planning manager Briana Pringle said that without intervention, the mostly Douglas fir trees would continue to spread and cause a loss of biodiversity. The plan, which would be carried out in stages, would involve eradicating all wilding trees and replacing them with a mixture of native and exotic trees and tussock grassland. The harvesting of some "merchantable timber" on the site might offset some of the operation's costs, but the area's steepness, rock outcrops and access challenges meant it was unlikely to generate an economic return, Ms Pringle said. Cr Melissa White said the visibility of the site and the public's enjoyment of forest walking meant the plan could be "completely polarising" for the community, so it was vital the consultation process was done well. Cr Matt Wong said Project Tohu — to reforest the former Coronet Forest site near Arrowtown — had "raised the bar" for council involvement in ecological restoration projects. He found the draft plan "bloody exciting", and was pleased to see it progress to consultation after three years of discussion. Cr Niki Gladding also backed the plan, saying it was needed if the council was going to meet its emissions trading scheme obligations. "We have to do something big, and we have to do it fast." A panel of councillors was appointed to hear submissions on the plan in July.
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Council To Consider Community Feedback On District's Draft Climate & Biodiversity Plan
Queenstown Lakes District Councillors are this Thursday being asked to approve the district's draft Climate & Biodiversity Plan 2025-2028 so it can be shared for community feedback. The plan was developed in partnership with Kāi Tahu, the Climate Reference Group, and local partner organisations. It is a key strategic document and an important, high-profile action plan for both the Council, its partners, and the community. If approved, the draft plan will open for community feedback for four weeks starting on Friday 30 May. Residents, businesses, and community groups will be encouraged to provide their thoughts on the district's proposed approach to addressing climate change and biodiversity loss over the next three years. Building on the foundations of the two previous three-year plans, the 2025-2028 draft outlines a comprehensive set of actions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing native biodiversity, and increasing community resilience to climate impacts. Key initiatives in the draft plan include delivering major environmental projects such as Project Tohu, implementing emissions-reduction projects at Council facilities, and integrating climate considerations into Council decision-making and business processes. It also focuses on supporting the transformation of our local energy system and strengthening support for community resilience and food system projects. The document details a total of 51 climate and biodiversity actions, across seven outcome areas, that are either Council-led or partnership-driven. These actions are organised across seven outcome areas that reflect the district's priorities for environmental protection, climate resilience, and low-emissions transformation. Together, they provide a clear framework for coordinated and strategic action over the next three years. Subject to approval at this Thursday's Council meeting in Arrowtown, community engagement for the draft Climate & Biodiversity plan will start 30 May 2025 and run until 27 June 2025. After engagement has been completed the final updated plan is expected to be presented to a full Council meeting for adoption in late July. At the 29 May Council meeting, Councillors will also be asked to approve two related draft environmental initiatives to go to the community for consultation: the Waste Management and Minimisation Bylaw, and Te Tapunui Queenstown Hill Forestry Plan. The draft Climate & Biodiversity Plan and the opportunity to make a submission will be available at Further information can also be found at
