Roadside Tree Policy

Good governance would ensure that future options remain open wherever possible. But the council’s determined refusal to contemplate that Queenstown Airport might ever be relocated means it fails to protect this potential.

Council’s roadside tree policy is a case in point. Trees near roadways would prevent aircraft from landing on them. In most circumstances, that’s fine. But if we removed Queenstown Airport’s runway then it would be essential to have a backup option for emergencies.

With the ever-present risk of a serious earthquake causing a civil emergency, we must retain the ability to move large numbers of tourists out of the Wakatipu should the road access be damaged.

This can easily be achieved. We have identified five stretches of existing road within the Wakatipu that with relatively minor modification could be used by Hercules C130 and C17 aircraft. Once adapted, these roadways could be designated Life Line Utilities to replace Queenstown Airport.

To protect this capacity, we must not allow new tree planting along them.