Queenstown Lakes District councillors will be asked to approve the district’s draft Climate & Biodiversity Plan 2025-2028 at a meeting this week (Thursday May 29) so it can be shared for community feedback.

The “key strategic document and … important, high-profile action plan” was developed in partnership with Kāi Tahu, the Climate Reference Group, and local partner organisations, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) said.

If approved, the draft plan will open for community feedback for four weeks starting on Friday (May 30).

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 the regeneration project Project Tohu, implementing emissions-reduction projects at council facilities, and integrating climate considerations into council decision-making and business processes.

It also looks at supporting “the transformation of our local energy system” and strengthening support for community resilience and food system projects, QLDC said.

The document details 51 climate and biodiversity actions, across seven outcome areas, that together provide a framework for coordinated action over the next three years.

Following community feedback, the final plan will be presented to a full council meeting for adoption in late July, following which 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 will be available here, with further information here.

PHOTO: Wānaka App