An independent chairman has been appointed by the Queenstown Lakes District Council to the draft camping ground strategy hearing panel.

The draft was released for public comment last year, attracting 520 submissions.

At last week's Council meeting it was resolved to appoint Christchurch barrister John Matthews. Mr Matthews, who is establishing a practice in Queenstown, has acted as independent commissioner and chaired a number of high profile hearings including Milton Prison and the Contact Clutha River consent renewals.

"We felt it was important that an independent person should chair the hearing panel," QLDC chief executive Duncan Field said.

The other members of the panel appointed by the full Council last week were Councillors Sally Middleton, John Mann, Rick Pettit and Wanaka Community Board chairman Bill Gordon. Mayor Clive Geddesis also entitled to sit on the panel 'ex officio'.

The Council plans to hold the hearings at the end of this month and was considering holding hearings in Dunedin and Invercargill, in addition to Queenstown.

"Once we have confirmed the logistics and a timetable it will be circulated to those appearing before the panel," Mr Field said.

Of the submissions received, 157 people (30 percent) wanted to speak to their submission. Of those 49 were based in Invercargill and 21 in Dunedin, with 51 from the Queenstown Lakes District.

ENDS

For further information contact Duncan Field 03 441 0499.

By: Tamah