The Upper Clutha community is being called on to get involved and share ideas for how people want to use, enjoy and manage Mt Iron Recreation Reserve now and into the future.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) staff are working to develop a draft Reserve Management Plan for the local landmark, and QLDC community services general manager Kenneth Bailey said public insight was vital to planning how the recently acquired land should be used, managed, and preserved.

“It’s really important we hear from different groups and people from across our community to understand their future vision for Mt Iron and Little Mt Iron,” Kenneth said.

“We want to know what it is you love about the area, what you’d like to see made available on the reserve, and what we as council need to protect and maintain to ensure this space continues to play a significant part in the community’s recreational and ecological aspirations.”

An online map to drop pins on and share ideas is now available on QLDC’s Let’s Talk website, and early thoughts shared by the community will help guide the development of the draft Reserve Management Plan for Mount Iron Recreational Reserve.

Community views are sought to guide the development of the draft plan for Mt Iron Recreational Reserve.

Several community engagement sessions are also planned for late October and early November for those interested in talking to council’s Parks & Reserves staff in person.

Community insights will then be reviewed and considered before a draft Reserve Management Plan is shared with the public in May 2024.

Kenneth said reserve management plans are used by council to detail the rules and regulations for different public spaces, and help with day-to-day and long-term decisions on how reserves and open spaces are used, managed, and developed.

“Now is the perfect time to get involved in the process and tell us your ideas both big and small. I’d encourage everyone in Wānaka and the Upper Clutha to set aside a few minutes of their day to join the conversation…”

Early insights to help inform the draft Mt Iron Reserve Management Plan will close at 5pm on Monday November 20.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App