Tree Policy adopted in Queenstown

Queenstown Lakes District Council’s Tree Policy 2022 has been adopted to protect trees from any unnecessary removal.

QLDC 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 added “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.”

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.

Image courtesy Queenstown Lakes District Council