Changes to logging operation's timeline
Greater Wellington (GW) will delay the start of a pine logging operation in Belmont Regional Park in order to address concerns raised at a recent (4 October) drop-in meeting, organised by GW to gather feedback from the public.
“There was a very good turnout of around 50 people, including nearby residents and representatives from community groups. They provided a range of well thought-out feedback on both the reinstatement of the logging site and the logging operation itself,” says Cr Nigel Wilson, Chair of GW’s Social and Cultural Wellbeing Committee.
A number of issues were raised at the meeting including the impact of the logging operation on the natural environment (particularly Korokoro Stream) and sensitive areas such as the Old Coach Road. There were also concerns about the logging trucks. Most of the feedback on reinstatement favoured restoring the site with native plants.
Cr Wilson says that while GW was aware of many of these issues, it’s important that the community has confidence in the process and confidence that their concerns are being addressed, which is why the start date of the operation has changed from November 2011 to February 2012. The delay will also allow the public to use the park this summer.
“Logging operations are by their very nature disruptive – but this logging operation is necessary. The pines were planted in order to be logged and now that they’re mature, they risk being toppled by the wind. Safety will, of course, be paramount during the operation and we’ll be taking the greatest care to protect the environment from adverse effects,” says Cr Wilson.
Over the next few months, Greater Wellington will have more discussions on the operation with the Friends of Belmont Regional Park, BAMBA (Belmont Area Mountain Bike Association), Korokoro Environmental Group and other interested parties.
GW will continue to take feedback from the public on the site’s reinstatement until 31 December 2011. Visit www.gw.govt.nz/belmont for an online feedback form.