Half Mile Recreation Reserve

Feedback on the Half Mile Recreation Reserve development plan has closed. A summary of the results is available under Survey Results.

The Vincent Community Board is seeking feedback on a proposed development plan for the Half Mile Recreation Reserve, which is located on the hillside above the SH85 entranceway into Alexandra from Roxburgh.

There is currently a number of conifer trees growing on the reserve. These wilding conifers 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 to remove these wilding conifers.

The Alexandra Half Mile Recreation Reserve Development Plan (document will open in a new tab) proposes to fell the 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 for all to enjoy
• includes hardy native plantings for shelter and plant and animal biodiversity.

The estimated cost of the reserve development is $135,000. The cost of the conifer removal and clean-up is funded separately.

Feedback from a community drop-in session in November 2021 helped inform the development of this design.

Neighbouring residents to the reserve have also talked with the Community Board about the value that these conifers provide through shelter, amenity and as an attractive entranceway into Alexandra.

We want to know what you think

Please complete the survey to let us know what you think of the proposed development plan for the Half Mile Recreation Reserve, as well as your thoughts on the removal of the wilding conifers as part of the development process. Please provide your feedback by 5pm, Thursday 30 June 2022.