Key economic, social and cultural indicators for the Queenstown Lakes District are now available on the council website, QLDC senior policy analyst Gemma Davis said.

"The council adopted the Monitoring Strategy in June 2005. The strategy provides indicators for monitoring the delivery of key community outcomes," Ms Davis said.

Under the key outcome of sustainable growth, monitoring was presented in sections pertaining to the six individual outcomes, ranging from quality landscapes to local cultural heritage.

"The way it's presented allows for a snapshot of what?s happening in the district economically, socially and culturally," she said.

A diverse amount of information was available including business growth, economic development, ethnic diversity, the number of film permits granted, crime rates, education indicators and indicators relating to the council?s performance in delivering services.

"It's something that will continue to grow with time, as we add more and more indicators. It?s also something that needs to be updated regularly, as and when the information becomes available," Ms Davis said.

For example the 2006 census data would need to be updated.

"We plan to factor in the new data early in the New Year," Ms Davis said.

As it stood, the indicators offered anyone a window insight into the community.

It also meant the council could assess the effectiveness of areas like landscape protection, infrastructure and levels of service.

The indicators could be viewed on the council website www.qldc.govt.nz under policies and planning.

ENDS

For more information please contact Gemma Davis 03 441 0499.

By: Sarah