May 26, 2016

ORC welcomes Government funding for fight against pest trees

The Otago Regional Council today welcomed the Budget 2016 announcement of $16 million of new operating funding being allocated over four years to tackle wilding conifers throughout New Zealand.

The new funding will be used to control wilding conifers in the highest priority areas of NZ, including the Wakatipu Basin and the headwaters of Southern Alps lakes and rivers.
It will also support greater collaboration between the Crown, regional councils, community groups, landowners, and foresters.

“We welcome the Government funding for wilding conifers, which brings to life the NZ Wilding Conifer Management Strategy,” ORC chairman Stephen Woodhead said.
Local Government New Zealand, of which ORC is a member, has lent its support to the national strategy, to deal with the escalating effects of wilding conifers on the environment and the economy.

“We also welcome the Crown acknowledging through this funding that this challenging issue requires a partnership between them, local government, landowners, and the wider community,” Mr Woodhead said.

ORC’s draft Annual Plan consultation document proposed that $100,000 should be made available for wilding conifer control over the region.

“The Government announcement is fantastic news, and will allow a more co-ordinated approach to get under way in controlling these invasive pest trees, which cause so much damage, both in environmental and economic terms,” Mr Woodhead said.

ENDS

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