QLDC Councillors will be holding two drop-in sessions next week to encourage community debate on the Draft Economic Strategy, which is currently open for feedback.

The first is in Queenstown on Tuesday (23 September) from 12-2pm in the Memorial Centre.

The second is in Wanaka on Wednesday (24 September) from 4-6pm in the Armstrong Room, Lake Wanaka Centre.

Each of the sessions is designed to spread awareness of the Draft Economic Strategy, and lead in to the two Shaping Our Future economic forums that will be held in the same venues just hours later.

The Draft Economic Strategy was researched and written by consultants Martin Jenkins & Associates, following earlier Shaping our Future work that identified the need for a more focused debate on how the district’s economy could be strengthened and diversified.

One of the co-authors of the report, Ulf Schoefisch, will attend both the drop-in sessions and the forums that follow. Mr Schoefisch is the former Chief Economist for Deutsche Bank.

QLDC is seeking feedback on everything in the Draft Strategy, including its 15 suggested actions. The Council has not adopted the draft, but has released it with a view to encouraging discussion. You can read the Draft Economic Strategy on the Council’s website: http://www.qldc.govt.nz/your-council/your-views/draft-economic-development-strategy/

Feedback closes on 17 October.