One hundred hectares of land on Mount Iron and Little Mount Iron is one step closer to coming into public ownership, with fencing around the site near completion and settlement on the land purchase expected early next month.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) community services general manager Ken Bailey shared his excitement at the prospect of the significant piece of Wānaka becoming a reserve.

“Mount Iron is a local landmark and much loved by the community for its popular walking tracks, wild and scenic nature, and the magnificent view from its summit,” Ken said.

“With over 180,000 people scaling the existing tracks each year, council’s purchase of land on Mount Iron and Little Mount Iron is critical to protecting local recreation areas for residents, visitors, and future generations.”

QLDC has been working with current owners the Cleugh Family and Allenby Farms for 18 months on the acquisition of 67ha on the north, west and southern flank of Mount Iron and 27ha on Little Mount Iron

Settlement of the land purchase will proceed once the fencing installation is completed, after which Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) will be required to register and issue a new property title, Ken said.

Council plans to notify its intention to create a Reserve Management Plan for Mount Iron in June, Ken said.

“Creation of a Reserve Management Plan marks a critical step following settlement and will create an opportunity for the Upper Clutha community to share how it wants Mount Iron managed in the future.”

Ken acknowledged there were a range of different ideas for how the site could be used and what activities it might cater to, and he looked forward to hearing the views of locals and visitors at future community drop-in sessions.

Plans are also underway to organise an opening event for Mount Iron Recreation Reserve at the Allenby Place carpark entrance to the land at a date to be confirmed in May

QLDC’s application for management of a further 52.8 hectares of reserve land adjacent to the current purchase and currently governed by the Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai (DOC) remains in progress, Ken said.

PHOTO: Wānaka App