Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has established a climate reference group (CRG) to support the delivery of its climate action plan (CAP). 

The council adopted the CAP in March to help guide local action on climate change after declaring a climate emergency in June 2019.

The action plan provides five ‘keystone actions’ for progress on tackling climate change in the next three years, which include developing an emissions reduction masterplan, working with the tourism industry to become a net zero carbon and zero waste destination, and undertaking a study of the potential health and wellbeing implications of climate change in the district.

“The role of the group will be identifying key challenges, evaluating best practices, identifying funding and agreeing priority action areas at each annual review of the climate action plan,” QLDC said in a statement.

Cardrona-Treble Cone general manager Bridget Legnavsky will chair the group. PHOTO: Supplied

Group members include Alec Tang (climate action in local government expert), Bridget Legnavsky (chair), Bruce Jefferies (biodiversity expert), councillors Glyn Lewers, Niki Gladding and Quentin Smith, Dr Carly Green (Upper Clutha community leader and greenhouse gas estimation expert), Dr Jim Salinger (international climate change expert), Dr Lyn Carter (nominated by Aukaha on behalf of rūnaka), Esther Whitehead (Wakatipu community leader), Gail Thompson (nominated by Te Ao Marama on behalf of rūnaka) and Alexa Forbes (Otago Regional Council).

Bridget, Quentin, Bruce and Carly are Wanaka-based.

“Having assembled an extremely competent cast of members, I’m looking forward to seeing real results from the CRG that will benefit our district for generations to come,” mayor Jim Boult said.

Jim said the group had an impressive array of knowledge and skills that could lead action.

“Climate action is something that means a lot to us and we want to make sure we continue to meet the goals of our climate action plan,” he said. “In the short to medium term, the CRG will engage with recovery initiatives and channels to ensure a coordinated approach.”

The group will also support the development of climate related ideas through Torokiki, a new idea management system aimed at facilitating community input on how the Queenstown Lakes district can recover from the effects of COVID-19. 

Related: Community invited to submit and rank recovery ideas

An initial meeting took place on Monday August 17 and addressed introductions, local context and the terms of reference, council said. Members will meet monthly for the first three months, and quarterly thereafter.

Learn more about the Climate Action Plan here.