Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is calling on the community to have a say on the draft Blue Green Network Plan (BGNP), which councillors say will provide a “clear vision” for protecting the district’s parks, open spaces, waterways, and trails.

The BGNP will serve as a blueprint for identifying which areas should be protected, enhanced, and better connected as the district grows.

QLDC general manager community services Ken Bailey said the plan is more than just a map of natural spaces - it’s about creating well-designed neighbourhoods, resilient communities, and a healthier environment for everyone.

“Queenstown Lakes District is known around the world for its outstanding outdoors,” Ken said.

“By integrating these waterways, reserves, parks, and civic spaces into one single network of sorts, we’ve created a practical resource council and developers can use to understand what environmental outcomes and existing and future residents may benefit from in local areas when planning future development.”

The draft BGNP identifies blue, green, and community features in Priority Development Areas and settlements across the district, and has the potential to deliver a range of benefits, from protecting biodiversity to improving water quality and creating more recreational spaces.

Reserves, parks, waterways, and civic spaces will be integrated into a single network.

Deputy mayor Quentin Smith told the Wānaka App few would argue that a town like Wānaka doesn’t need strong access to the outdoors.

“The principle of the Blue Green Network Plan is really sound in that it tries to create a framework for the protection of and establishment of green space, waterways, public access and recreation,” he said. 

“This plan provides one of the inputs into the second generation of the Spatial Plan.”

Councillor Cody Tucker said he hopes it will help ensure new development can be appropriately managed and prevent issues that have developed at some newer subdivisions.

Quentin said the biggest challenge moving forward will be how power the Spatial Plan and Blue Green Network Plan will be given under Resource Management Act reform.

“The power to require reserves and connections in new subdivisions will need to be embedded in the new legislation and continue to be in the mandate of council for the plan to be deliverable,” he said. 

“But it’s good to have a clear vision to work towards.”

Now is the time to contribute to that vision - residents can point out what they want protected, enhanced, or introduced in their neighbourhoods or across the wider Queenstown Lakes here.

“Whether there’s a creek near your place that needs some care, a missing link to your child’s school or your local shops, or a popular park down the road you want protected, this is your backyard so be heard,” Ken said.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App