A refreshed reserve management plan (RMP) was signed off for the Bannockburn Domain by Central Otago District Council (CODC) in a full council meeting last week (November 9).

It is the first plan for the site in 22 years and follows a period of time for locals to share their views and feedback about the domain.

In a statement CODC said the draft plan was prepared during the first half of this year and public submissions were sought over a two-month period between May and July 2022.

A drop-in session was also held at the bowling club in the domain and approximately 16 members of the public came along and gave feedback on the RMP.

Some of this feedback around improved usage of the domain will be considered as part of the domain development plan, which will be prepared subsequently. 

In addition, all regular users of Bannockburn Domain were sent information to enable them to make a submission. 

Twenty-one submissions were received and considered by the Cromwell Community Board (CCB) at its September 12 meeting, and minor amendments made to the plan as a result.

Deputy mayor and Cromwell Ward councillor Neil Gillespie said the plan would “provide some certainty and direction” for CODC, the community and the Bannockburn Recreation Reserve Management Committee, and the CCB felt the process had achieved a good outcome.

CODC Wincent Ward councillor Martin McPherson and deputy mayor and Cromwell Ward councillor Neil Gillespie at last Wednesday’s meeting

The RMP’s main purpose is to provide the community with certainty about the function, future management, and development of a reserve. It is not a detailed operational plan, instead it provides a framework that guides management decisions.

The plan for Bannockburn Domain can be viewed on CODCs website.