"Queenstown's ongoing wild goat problem is the target of a new goat contractor," Queenstown Lakes District Council parks manager Gordon Bailey said.

"There is a real problem with the animals from Fernhill right through to Arthur's Point. The conditions are ideal for them and they have continued to breed in huge numbers," he said.

The council had received calls from distressed residents after goats had destroyed prized gardens and terrorised pet animals.

"We've even had one case of a goat causing damage to a parked car at Fernhill. Residents can be quite intimidated, particularly by an adult male," he said.

The goats were also causing a major traffic hazard on Gorge Road.

"It's quite a novelty to see the goats along the roadside but in reality they are endangering motorists, not to mention destroying the entranceway planting," Mr Bailey said.

The terrain meant it was almost impossible to eliminate the wild goats.

"We will bring in the contractor when needed to attempt to minimise the problem but obviously the conditions are challenging, ranging from the limitations of eradicating goats in a built up area, to the inaccessible rocky outcrops of Ben Lomond," Mr Bailey said.

Any goat concerns should be reported directly to the council.

"The customer services staff will in turn alert the contractor to any problem," Mr Bailey said.

ENDS

For further information please contact Gordon Bailey 03 4410499.

By: Sarah