A new Council Controlled Organisation is being proposed which could eventually take over the management of leisure facilities in the Queenstown Lakes District, QLDC general manager community services Paul Wilson said.

"Initially we are looking at a structure that can take over the management of the Queenstown Event Centre and eventually the new Queenstown Aquatic Centre," Mr Wilson said.

The model was based on a new style of leisure management, being used nationally and internationally, that pooled the management of recreation reserves, arts facilities, aquatic centres and generally any community-owned facilities revolving around leisure pursuits.

A board of directors would govern the new structure and employ a chief executive to oversee the management of all facilities.

"A key function of this new structure, which has had huge success elsewhere, is the promotion of affordability for the rate paying community and the users," Mr Wilson said.

Similar structures had been adopted by Stadium Southland, Christchurch City Council, and in particular the Queenstown Lakes District Council had consulted with the hugely successful company Edinburgh Leisure Limited.

"We have some exceptional case studies to learn from that have proven to have strong benefits to the community," Mr Wilson said.

In the case of the Queenstown Event Centre more than a decade had gone by since the trust was established.

"There is no question the trust has done an outstanding job but the new structure would cater, not only for the changed responsibilities facing the trust, but also for a holistic approach to the management of all facilities across the district, possibly including community pools, centres and halls," Mr Wilson said.

The full council was being asked to consider the proposal on Friday, however if the reaction was favourable, the establishment of a CCO was subject to a 'special consultative procedure'.

"If the council chooses to support the proposal in principle this week, then we will bring a statement of proposal back to the council at the end of September. The proposal will then go out for wider public consultation," Mr Wilson said.

ENDS

For further information please contact Paul Wilson 03 441 0499 or 027 448 8062.

By: Tamah