Transit New Zealand's draft 10-year State Highway Plan failed to recognise and plan for one of the fastest growing districts in the country, Queenstown Lakes District Council Mayor Clive Geddes said.

"We are extremely disappointed that Transit does not seem to be coming to grips with this community's substantial growth. This document largely ignores a number of projects that we have been discussing over a period of time on a regional basis with Transit, projects that we can justify on the basis of our growth projection work, projects that need to be implemented within the next five years," Mr Geddes said.

The plan included a handful of minor safety works over the next two years, based on the state highway. But for the main part the plan was silent on issues of growth and congestion that had not only been flagged by the Council but that had received assurances from Transit.

"We are somewhat surprised to find that these projects, which are supported by substantial investigations on the part of this community, are missing," Mr Geddes said.

"Our submission will be very clear, this plan must be amended. In its present form, nothing to address growth and congestion is going to happen, quite the contrary, this plan, as it stands, will act to inhibit our community and our province," Mr Geddes said.

Submissions close on the plan tomorrow (Wednesday). Submissions can be made in writing and  faxed to Transit NZ 04 801 2599.

ENDS

For further comment please contact Clive Geddes 03 4410499

By: Tamah