Nature is infrastructure too

When people think about infrastructure, they often think about roads, pipes and buildings. But nature provides infrastructure too.

Wetlands help absorb floodwaters. Native vegetation reduces erosion. Connected green corridors support biodiversity while improving recreation opportunities and community wellbeing. These natural systems are increasingly important as climate-related risks such as flooding and extreme weather become more frequent.

That's where QLDC's newly adopted Blue-Green Network Plan comes in. By connecting waterways, wetlands, native habitats, parks, trails and open spaces into one network, the plan helps protect the natural systems that support biodiversity, community wellbeing and climate adaptation.

The Blue-Green Network Plan is also helping shape thinking for QLDC's next Long-Term Plan (LTP). Through a series of recent workshops, councillors explored how future investment can support four key priorities: growth, asset renewal, resilience and thriving infrastructure.

A significant shift is the recognition that infrastructure can deliver multiple benefits beyond its core function. Alongside transport, waste and social infrastructure, natural infrastructure is now being considered as a critical asset class. Investments in wetlands, waterways, biodiversity corridors and open spaces can support climate adaptation, improve biodiversity, enhance recreation opportunities and strengthen community wellbeing.

This represents a major step forward for the district and builds on what was already in the current LTP. QLDC is emerging as an early adopter nationally in recognising the role natural infrastructure can play in delivering climate resilience and broader community outcomes.

Council has also worked with the Climate Reference Group to develop climate scenarios that will help inform future investment decisions and feature in the next LTP. Encouragingly, the workshop process demonstrated strong councillor engagement with the proposed direction and initiatives.

Together, the Blue-Green Network Plan and the work underway on the next Long-Term Plan show how the district is taking a more integrated approach to resilience; investing in nature, communities and infrastructure together to create a healthier, more sustainable future for Queenstown Lakes.

Read more about the Blue Green Network Plan here.