Councillors adopted Queenstown Lakes District Council’s (QLDC) Tree Policy 2022 at Full Council meeting yesterday, following a recommendation from Council’s Community & Services Committee.

QLDC’s Acting General Manager Community Services, Meaghan Miller noted residents of and visitors to the Queenstown Lakes were passionate about the protection of trees in the district, and that the new policy had robust criteria to ensure they weren’t unnecessarily removed.

“The QLDC Tree Policy 2022 specifies any tree removed in the district on public land must be replaced with two trees, acknowledging Council’s commitment to climate change and biodiversity initiatives in the district,” said Ms Miller.

The policy also provides guidance on types of trees Council will plant, maintenance, and how staff and contractors should work around trees, helping QLDC manage trees to meet community aspirations.

Under the new policy, trees on public land will not be removed for the following reasons:

• To minimise obstruction of views
• To minimise obstruction of commercial or advertising signage
• To reduce leaf or fruit litter and other debris
• To reduce shading
• For contributing to allergenic or irritant responses
• Or when the risk posed by the tree meets the requirements of the Tree Risk Management.

The adoption of the QLDC Tree Policy 2022 included one amendment, with Council Officers to undertake a review of the policy and report back to the Community & Services Committee within 12 months.

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