Storm clean-up continues at Queens Park

Invercargill’s Queens Park is alive with the sound of chainsaws and heavy machinery, as arborist teams continue to clean up storm damage in the award-winning public gardens.

Parts of Queens Park had been closed since a wind storm in October caused widespread damage, with two sections reopening late last year following extensive remediation work.

Invercargill City Council Manager Parks and Recreation Caroline Rain said there was a lot of work yet to be done to make the closed areas safe.

“The storm has come and gone but the clean-up continues,” she said.

“We love to see people returning to enjoy Queens Park, but parts of it are still off-limits.”

Closed sections included half of the golf course, the northern end of Coronation Ave and the George St track near Southland Boys’ High School.

Barriers and warning tape were in place indicating restricted and unsafe areas, and it would be several weeks before Council could consider reopening these sections, Rain said.

“These are active worksites where heavy machinery is in use, and leaning trees and hanging branches are a real hazard.

“It’s important that people respect the barriers in place. The safety of our visitors is paramount – we don’t want anyone getting hurt.”