The New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi recognizes the danger posed by feral goats and has installed prominent signs warning, “Beware of wandering wildlife,” at both ends of the Cromwell Gorge.
Similarly, the Central Otago District Council has put up signs in the Cromwell Mall to alert pedestrians about the uneven surfaces caused by raised paving stones.
In contrast, the Cromwell Community Board has decided to prohibit public access and revoke the dog walking designation of a pine forest on the town’s outskirts. This decision stems from concerns over potential liability if a falling branch were to cause injury.
Both the NZTA and CODC seem to consider signage an adequate measure for risk mitigation, although the CODC is also taking steps to address the uneven pavers in the mall.
The risks in these areas are tangible: vehicles have sustained damage in collisions with goats, and there are frequent injuries from falls in the mall.
However, there have been no reported incidents of injuries from falling branches or pine cones in the forest, even among those who have frequented the area for years.
Given this, it seems inconsistent that access to the forest is restricted while the Cromwell Gorge and Mall remain open to the public.
Residents are calling for practical, cost-effective, and cooperative solutions rather than heavy-handed or inconsistent measures.
Kate Borrie
Cromwell
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REPLY:
A spokesperson from NZTA stated that their approach to managing the risk of feral goats on State Highway 8 in the Cromwell Gorge extends beyond signage. They are planning an aerial goat control program for the upcoming winter, in collaboration with local landowners, which will involve some temporary traffic management on SH8 to further safeguard drivers.
NZTA aims to pragmatically balance risks while ensuring transport connections remain reliable.
A council spokeswoman explained that the decision to limit public access to the forestry block is based on specific safety concerns identified by independent forestry advice, particularly during wind events. This advice highlighted ongoing risks that require monitoring, temporary closures, and resources that are not currently available.
For this particular site, restricting access is viewed as the most secure and practical way to manage the risk and minimize the council’s liability.
Different areas face different hazards, requiring varied management strategies. In the Cromwell Mall, the council is addressing risks by installing signs and budgeting for the repair or replacement of uneven pavers. Such intervention and management are not currently planned for the Sandflat forestry area.
The council recognizes the impact on dog walkers and remains open to community feedback for future planning.
