Wanaka residents are being urged to attend a drop in session this week to focus on the future.

"The drop in session, to be held at the Lake Wanaka Centre on Wednesday from 4-6pm was an opportunity to find out more about the Wanaka Structure Plan review and the Wanaka Transportation and Parking Study", Queenstown Lakes District Council senior policy analyst Joshua Clydesdale said.

Discussion documents and feedback forms relating to both issues were now available at the council office or on the council website.

"We need to continue to plan for the future of Wanaka. It's an issue that affects every single resident," Mr Clydesdale said.

The resident population of Wanaka is expected to increase from approximately 5,000 people in 2006 to approximately 11,000 people in 2026.  On a peak day, such as New Year's Eve, the population in 2026 will swell to more than 45,000 people.

"We need to plan for that now," Mr Clydesdale said.

The structure plan review looked at: ensuring enough land was available for the right sort of development, when needed; ensuring the right zoning applied; that the Wanaka Town Centre remained the main commercial hub; that there was enough open space, that the character of Wanaka was identified and enhanced and that walking, cycling and community facilities were provided.

The transportation and parking study looked at managing traffic volumes and speeds into the future.

"It also plans an appropriate transport network to cater for future growth and looks at parking, cycling and walking," QLDC transportation manager Denis Mander said.

The council would like feedback on both issues by 21 September 2007.

ENDS

For further information please contact Denis Mander or Joshua Clydesdale 03 441 0499

By: Tamah