Council to begin harvesting Sandy Point Domain trees

Sandy Point Domain. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Sandy Point Domain. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
The Invercargill City Council is set to proactively harvest trees in the Sandy Point Domain.

The works are guided by the council’s tree plan 2020, which details the council’s long-term strategy in ensuring the sustainability of trees and the safety of the public throughout the city through responsible management.

Council parks performance manager Kate Gough said the harvesting of pine trees in the Sandy Point area was part of a programmed piece of work that was on a scheduled 30-year cycle.

While the majority of this work would have no impact on the public, a portion of the trees along the Ōreti River needed to be removed due to safety concerns, she said.

"Unfortunately, the trees along parts of Sandy Point Rd are starting to reach the end of their lives and need to be harvested. We’ve already had some instances where parts of the trees have fallen across the road and we need to consider the safety of the public", she said.

Ms Gough said while the full harvesting programme of work was expected to take between six to eight weeks, the public walking track that runs parallel to the river and Sandy Point Rd would be closed for three days this week.

Vehicle access along Sandy Point Rd will also be limited to one-lane and traffic management will be in place.

"Once the harvesting has finished, we will be replanting this area with natives and will look to repurpose any leftover material, like using the wood chips to help with weed suppression, as much as we can.

"We’d like to thank the public in advance for their understanding while we complete this necessary work."