​Half Mile Recreation Reserve Development Plan - having your say

There’s little over a week left to give feedback on the Vincent Community Board’s proposed development plan for the Half Mile Recreation Reserve, in Alexandra.

For the past few weeks, the Central Otago District Council has been seeking feedback on the proposal for the reserve at the SH85 entrance to the town.

As of Monday 20 June lunchtime, the Council has received 70 submissions.

There are currently a number of conifer trees growing on the reserve, which are recognised nationally and regionally as a pest species. Central Otago District Council is committed to being a responsible landowner, which includes the eradication of wilding conifers on council-owned land.

The Half Mile Recreation Reserve has been identified by the Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Group as a significant ‘seed take off’ site, which is why it is proposed to fell the trees. Council has received funding from the Central Otago Wilding Conifer Control Programme and has budgeted funds for the removal.

The Alexandra Half Mile Recreation Reserve Development Plan proposes to fell these trees and bring the reserve back to an authentic Central Otago landscape that showcases the views, rocky tors and archaeological features at the site; provides open spaces and informal walking routes; and includes hardy native plantings for shelter, and plant and animal biodiversity.

People are encouraged to jump online to complete a survey to share their thoughts on the proposed development plan for the reserve, as well as their thoughts on the removal of the wilding conifers as part of the development process. The survey at https://lets-talk.codc.govt.nz closes on Thursday 30 June. Hard copies of the Alexandra Half Mile Recreation Reserve Development Plan and the survey are also available at Council offices and the Alexandra Library.