Sandflat Road plantation access remains closed pending future harvest
The harvest of the Sandflat Road commercial forestry block is on hold until further notice, following today's Central Otago District Council meeting.
While originally intended for harvest in the first half of 2026, uncertain market conditions have made it difficult to determine the likely financial return. Earlier in June, Cromwell Community Board recommended delaying the harvest to allow conditions to stabilise and maximise returns for ratepayers. Council has now instructed staff to report back with a profit and loss indication when available.
Council also resolved to maintain the removal of the off-leash dog walking designation, following safety concerns raised in an independent assessment by forestry specialists Laurie Forestry Ltd.
The assessment – commissioned after Council received a report from the Cromwell dog walking community – identified ongoing risks, particularly during high wind events, that would require active monitoring, temporary closures, and dedicated resourcing.
Group Manager - Community Experience, David Scoones, explains why ongoing public access isn’t a viable option just now.
"As a commercial forestry block, no rates funding has been allocated for maintenance, meaning there is no budget to address these risks or manage ongoing public access safely," he said.
"Additionally, as a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking, we can’t outsource our health and safety obligations – we’re the ones responsible."
As a result, all public access has been removed, and signage will be installed instructing the public to stay out. This follows common practice for commercial forestry blocks across New Zealand.
Mayor Tamah Alley recognises this is an unpopular decision with dog walkers, but confirms Council is committed to finding suitable locations for use.
"We’re working really hard to find alternative sites for all types of dog walking from a fenced dog park to off-leash areas, and hope to have more information available in the next few weeks," she said.
"We’re also considering everything to do with dogs in the next LTP process, including reviewing fees and services, and of course locations for exercise."
Members from Cromwell Dogs Charitable Trust, representing the Cromwell dog walking community, spoke during the public forum, reiterating their offer to assist with post-wind-event signage and their interest in exploring whether a portion of the land could be converted to an off-leash reserve.
Dog owners are encouraged to respect the restrictions and explore alternative off-leash areas across the district.
Council will advertise for Expressions of Interest for future use of the block. Further details will be made available in due course.
