Bannockburn
forestry harvest to unlock growth and future sustainable opportunities
Two
substantial Council owned forestry blocks in Bannockburn are planned to be
harvested in April 2026 (based on availability), paving the way for the
long-planned Bannockburn Industrial Subdivision and opening up discussions
about future sustainable land use. A report presented to the Central Otago
District Council at yesterday’s meeting recommended harvesting both the
19-hectare Bannockburn Industrial Development Site and the neighbouring
60-hectare Sandflat Road Forestry Block at the same time to maximise efficiency
and financial return.
Harvesting
at the Industrial Development Site is necessary to prepare the land for
subdivision works, including stump removal and the importation of fill. The
pines at Sandflat Road are over 40 years old and have reached maturity, and
delaying harvest would increase maintenance costs.
At
the meeting this week, Cromwell Community Board Chair Anna Harrison said a
combined harvest was the most practical and cost-effective approach.
“Removing
the trees from both blocks at the same time makes sense,” she said. “The Board
was also conscious that, although it has long been known these were commercial
forestry blocks, the loss of popular local dog-exercise areas will be felt by
the community.”
With
the harvest now confirmed, Council staff will begin assessing long-term options
for the Sandflat Road site. While replanting remains a viable pathway -
required within two years if the current carbon-credit status is to be
maintained - Council is also exploring alternative and potentially higher-value
opportunities for the land.
Property
and Facilities Manager Garreth Robinson said the decisions also mean removing
the dog-walking status from both sites. “Ultimately, it’s about public safety.
These plantations were never designed for recreation. A potential dedicated,
fenced dog-exercise area would give the community a much safer and more
suitable facility into the future. In the meantime, the Alpha Street Reserve
and Dustin Park in Pisa Moorings remain available for dog exercise in
Cromwell,” he said.
Proceeds
from the harvest are proposed to fund either replanting at the Sandflat Road
site, including post-planting management and weed control plans, or to support
investigations into alternative investment opportunities linked to the site’s
future use. Any remaining surplus would be used to offset costs associated with
developing the Bannockburn Industrial Subdivision.
