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by James Hall - Malaghans Valley Protection Society Chairman

Of the 15 Fast-Track projects across Otago, nine are earmarked for Queenstown, and it’s important they are factored into other plans for our fast-growing town.

I raised concern about the cumulative effects of Fast-Track projects in my three-minutes of allocated time at a recent Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) Planning & Strategy meeting. I emphasised the need for QLDC to stand up for their district and spatial planning and use this information to inform the Expert Panels.

As the Fast-Track process greatly limits the chance for locals to have a say, and the environment is also not considered, it is terrifying to think there’s only 20 days for regional authorities like QLDC, ORC, iwi and adjacent landowners to provide comment.

Environmental impacts weren’t considered when these Fast-Tracks were green-lighted and the cumulative effects of multiple Fast-Tracks haven’t either. They also aren’t likely to be considered either as each project has an Expert Panel appointed for it and they review projects independently, not as a whole.

With how things currently are in Queenstown, with overflowing sewerage treatment plants and traffic jams along Ladies Mile, it is clear our infrastructure is at its limits. I think an appropriate use of Fast-Track would be to expedite regional infrastructure, essential services and transportation. Instead, it’s being used for opportunistic growth and growth for the sake of growth.

The QLDC, CODC, ORC Regional Deal Strategic Framework was released last week and it states the “QLDC District Plan has enough zoned capacity to meet projected growth for the next 30+ years” and that “there is significant untapped potential in already zoned and serviced areas”.

So, why are we bringing in 7,000+ residences via Fast-Track in addition to the existing 7,000 residences already approved at Silver Creek, Waipuna Rise, Homestead Bay, Park Ridge, Kingston Village and Ladies Mile?

The cost of building these Fast-Track subdivisions will be substantial and who will pay for the necessary new or upgraded infrastructure? The cost is likely to flow onto the section costs removing the ‘affordable housing’ claim.

Some of these Fast-Tracks shouldn’t be even considered due to environmental impacts, for instance Coronet Village. A Coronet Peak gondola is proposed and has been justified by 780 residences and two schools but it’s in the headwaters of Lake Hayes, adjacent to ONL on one side and wetland on the other.

My hope is that QLDC and others will ensure the Expert Panels see the bigger picture before they make decisions on these Fast-Tracks. We often hear how our district is a tourism highlight but Fast-Track could be a serious threat to this claim, our community wellbeing and economic viability.