Mayor appeals for feedback on $2.4bn council plans

Queenstown's mayor Glyn Lewers is urging residents to have their say on council's $2.4 BILLION plans.

Only 150 submissions have been received on the draft Long Term Plan for 2024-2034, since consultation opened about three weeks ago. That's less than 0.3% of the 52,800 population, in a district where there is plenty of public constructive criticism about Queenstown Lakes District Council.

There are just two weeks left to make submissions on the LTP, with consultation closing on Sunday, 28 July.

Submissions can be made on any aspect of the plan, but the highlights include:

• The proposed average rates increase of 15.6% for 2024-2025
• The $2.4 billion capital programme, predominantly focused on Three Waters
• The proposal to introduce a targeted rate on Queenstown Town Centre properties to recover the costs of major upgrades in the area, from those who benefit most
• The proposal to bring forward investment in community and sporting facilities, specifically facilities at 516 Ladies Mile, sports fields in Wānaka and clean energy upgrades at the district’s three Aquatic Facilities.

Lewers says: "I’ve enjoyed getting along to drop-in sessions and markets over the past two weeks, talking to our communities about Council’s priorities for the next decade and what it means for the rates you pay.

"I’ll be joining Councillors at more sessions through July and look forward to seeing more of you out in the community, but my key message to you all is to get your submission in."

The Let’s Talk online consultation hub details upcoming opportunities to discuss the LTP with elected members.

There's also lots of supporting information which people can also submit on. There's a online dashboard mapping where capital investment is proposed across Queenstown Lakes, the council's financial strategy, its infrastructure strategy, and its consultation policy.

"We need to hear the views of as many different people as possible as this plan affects everyone who lives, works or owns a property in our district," Lewers says.

"It explains how we plan to manage the challenges and opportunities of our fast-growing population and deliver the infrastructure and services we need."

The LTP consultation document has been delivered to letterboxes across the district and can be found, along with more detailed information and a submission form at letstalk.qldc.govt.nz/long-term-plan-2024-2034

On Let's Talk, residents will also find other council work open for submissions, including moves to make developers pay towards affordable housing, and plans to transfer the Council-owned housing for older people to the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust.