13 October 2008 - 1.53 pm

An updated tree policy has been released for public comment, said Queenstown Lakes District Council community services committee chairperson Leigh Overton.

In 2006 the council adopted a tree policy to give it enhanced ability to protect and manage trees in the district.

"We indicated to the community that the policy would be reviewed after 12 months - however we deferred that a further 12 months to give the policy more time to settle in," Mr Overton said.

"Although the current tree policy has worked extremely well so far, we put together a working party of councillors who have given it an extensive review," he said.

The working party had recommended a few amendments to ensure the policy remained robust and relevant.  Key additions to the policy included:

• That the policy recognises threats imposed by wilding tree species on the district landscape and amenity values and seeks to minimise these impacts;
• A key focus on sustainability and self sufficiency.
• Encouragement across council departments to ensure retention of amenity trees and to maximise planting of trees wherever possible during upgrading of any utility development projects.

"These additions will give the council and community a clear direction on how trees will be managed into the future.  We now invite the community have a  say on the amendments," Mr Overton said.

The updated policy is available for viewing here Comments would close on Friday, October 31, 2008.

ENDS:

For further information please contact parks manager Gordon Bailey on 03 441 0499.

By: Tamah