Joseph Mooney MP for Southland - Monthly Column
National’s recent policies have potential to bring significant positive change to Queenstown. National will focus on transitioning to a low-emissions, high-growth economy, great infrastructure and sustainable housing and accommodation for all in the region.
National aims to leverage green energy sources to help New Zealand achieve its infrastructure, housing, and emissions goals. This move not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also benefits Queenstown’s tourism industry, which relies on showcasing pristine natural landscapes.
As New Zealand moves towards a clean energy future, we need to ramp up renewable electricity generation. With our ‘ElectrifyNZ’ policy National will turbo-charge new renewable power projects including solar, wind and geothermal by requiring decisions on resource consents to be issued in one year and consents to last for 35 years.
A pressing issue in Queenstown is the shortage of housing, which affects residents and seasonal workers. National recognises this and plans to unlock investment in purpose-built ‘Build-to-Rent’ housing across the country.
The build to rent initiative will be significant for Queenstown, it addresses the acute shortage of accommodation. By facilitating construction of rental housing National aims to alleviate the housing crisis and ensure local community can thrive and provide exceptional experiences to visitors.
In addition to rental housing, National emphasises the need to unlock land for housing within and around towns and cities, improve infrastructure, and ensure communities benefit from growth. Given Queenstown’s growing population and housing demand, these measures offer some powerful tools for local and central government.
Infrastructure is a critical aspect of National’s plan. National has a comprehensive infrastructure plan that focuses on resilient networks. With congestion issues like Ladies Mile becoming increasingly challenging, National aims to deliver high-quality infrastructure that efficiently connects people and goods.
National’s track record in infrastructure projects, such as the Roads of Significance and ultra-fast broadband programmes, clearly demonstrates its ability to deliver.
National will establish a National Infrastructure Agency. This agency will coordinate public infrastructure investment, act as a gateway for domestic and offshore capital, and streamline existing infrastructure funds.
National also aims to employ innovative funding and financing tools while fostering collaboration between central and local governments through city and regional deals. By fast-tracking infrastructure consents and creating thirty-year infrastructure pipelines, National seeks to provide long-term certainty, effective planning, and cost reduction for projects.
National’s vision aligns with the aspirations of Queenstown and its need for world-class infrastructure to complement its world-class tourist experiences and provide for the needs of folks who call Queenstown home. National aims to create a prosperous future for Queenstown and New Zealand.
These policies offer solutions to the challenges and opportunities faced by the region, addressing climate change, housing shortages, and infrastructure development.
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