Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is currently consulting on four different topics which will affect Upper Clutha residents.

These include succession planting at local landmark Eely Point, planning for the climate, biodiversity and waste management, and the future of local water provision.

QLDC is consulting on ‘Our Water Done Well’, which gives members of the public the chance to have their say on whether a proposed organisation, which operates independently from QLDC, should deliver water services in this district.

QLDC can either continue to provide water services in-house or move to what is called a Water Services Council Controlled Organisation (WSCCO), and QLDC is required to consult on this as part of central government’s Local Water Done Well plan to address New Zealand’s water infrastructure challenges. 

Learn more about it here.

Residents have until June 22 to have their say on the draft Eely Point Tree Succession Plan - a 60-year approach for caring for the local landmark.

The proposal details how QLDC plans to slowly remove the invasive wilding pines in the reserve and gradually replace them with pioneer species like grasses, ferns, and mānuka, followed by planting of native trees like kānuka, kōwhai, beech, and southern rātā.

QLDC parks manager Dave Winterburn said the plan aims to “create a resilient and diverse environment for future generations to enjoy”.

Learn more about it here.

Both the draft Climate and Biodiversity Plan (CBP) and draft Waste Management Plan have also been created with the environment in mind and QLDC is also urging residents to have their say.

The draft CBP details QLDC’s plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance native biodiversity, and increase community resilience to climate impacts over the next three years.

The wide-reaching plan has 51 ‘key strategic actions’ - from strengthening the resilience of the local food system to predator and trapping control and developing a robust climate risk assessment and reporting framework.

It is open for feedback until June 27.

Meanwhile the draft Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP), which outlines how the district will manage and reduce waste, is open until June 30.

It sets a clear direction for how the community can reduce waste, lower emissions and move towards a circular economy.

Residents can also register to QLDC’s Let’s Talk page so they are notified when public consultation on a new topic opens.

PHOTO: Wānaka App