The Vincent Community Board has resolved to leave an option for the removal of wilding conifers from the Half Mile Recreation Reserve on the table for further discussion with full Council at the March meeting.
At the community board meeting on Tuesday (31 January) in Alexandra, three options were discussed 1. to remove, 2. not to remove, and 3. a staged removal.
Although the Board voted in favour of option 3, a staged removal, it was decided to let the matter lie on the table in order for Council to determine whether a staged approach was in breach of the Council’s Wilding Conifer Policy adopted in July 2022, and to allow staff time to develop options for the staged removal should Council believe it was not in breach of the policy.
During the discussion, considerations included the timeframe in which Government funding allocated for wilding conifer control had to be utilised (valid until 2024), the cost to ratepayers of a staged removal rather than complete removal, and for the Council to meet its obligations for wilding conifer control. The Half Mile reserve had been identified as a significant seed take-off site and a threat to the natural landscape in the vicinity because of rapid spread.
The health and stability of some trees were assessed, in particular those wilding conifers identified during recent inspections by Aurora Energy near the fall zones of power lines that could pose a risk, over the short to medium term.
Board members reflected on the journey that the Half Mile wilding conifers had taken the Council and community on, over the past 16 months.
The Council’s original intention to remove the wilding conifers from the reserve in October 2021, because of undesirable seed dispersal, threats to the natural landscape and an obligation to control pest pines, produced strong public feedback, and put a pause on the operation.
In his report to the Board at Tuesday’s meeting, Central Otago District Council Parks and Recreation Manager Gordon Bailey stated that over the years, the Council had been approached many times to address the issue of wilding conifers in the district. Public submissions had been made through annual and long-term plan submission processes. There had also been meetings between the Council and Central Otago Conifer Control Group where the Group outlined the extent of the problem and requested that Council get involved in tree removal.
The matter was referred to the Vincent Community Board at its March 2022 meeting where board members considered a report on the removal of wilding conifers from the Half Mile, and options for its redevelopment following the removal.
The item was left on the table until a development plan for the reserve had been consulted on and brought back to the Board for consideration. The plan proposed a “natural Central Otago landscape” that would highlight the natural rock formations found within the reserve and include native plantings, with provision for shelter plantings along the western boundary. The plan also highlighted heritage features identified within the site.
A survey was developed seeking community feedback on the proposed development plan following tree removal. An information report, which included the results of this survey, was received and adopted by the Board at its 23 July 2022 meeting,
The survey received 154 responses with 137 respondents living in the Vincent ward. The survey asked respondents their level of agreement about whether the development plan would enhance the area and meet the needs of the community. In summary, 54% of respondents agreed with the statement and 38% disagreed; 8% neither agreed nor disagreed.
The survey also asked residents if they supported the removal of the wilding conifers; 56% of respondents selected ‘Yes’, 40% selected ‘No’, and 4% did not have a view either way.
The Haehaeata Natural Heritage Trust had indicated support of wilding conifer removal on the Half Mile reserve, and supplied a list of dryland plants that will grow there. These have been incorporated into the development plan. The Trust also states that the Half Mile site “lends itself for wider community involvement for its redevelopment over time to ensure this positive community space is brought to life. This could include schools, individuals, and other community groups”.
The Central Otago District Council meets on Wednesday 8 March.
