Collaborative community effort at Gibbston

A project between the Gibbston Community Association and the Queenstown Lakes District Council has turned rubbish into rustic charm, GCA chairwoman Susan Stevens said.

The community association approached the council about a proposal to beautify the Gibbston recycling and residual waste drop-off depot.

“We worked closely with the council over the design, which included incorporating schist cladding of one wall and the construction of a feature planter box,’ Ms Stevens said.

As the design exceeded budget for the depot, which meets an equivalent standard to other depots throughout the district, the association took it on to attract funding and volunteers.

In return the council agreed to construct the depot and extend the structure’s concrete pad to allow for the additional aesthetics.

The schist stone construction was paid for by the association and arranged by Gibbston Stone, while the Arrowtown Horticultural Society funded plants for the area and the planter box.

“The council also provided us with additional plants and planting was carried out by volunteers and members of our community probation crew,” Ms Stevens said.

“This is an excellent example of a community that has been willing to work with the council to achieve the outcome the community itself desired. I would like to congratulate the association on its initiative and drive to continue to beautify and develop the Gibbston amenity value,” QLDC Mayor Clive Geddes said.

The shade cloth, providing screening, was also paid for by the association and installed by Bayer Pharma volunteers - attending a conference at Queenstown - as part of a team building exercise.

The ongoing maintenance would be a combined effort between the council and the association, which would maintain the landscaping.

ENDS

For further information contact Susan Stevens terymesu@xtra.co.nz Ph: 03 441 8919