Issues around rates and algae will be some of the many topics raised by the public as hearings on the draft 10-Year Plan take place in Queenstown and Wanaka this week.

293 submissions were received about the Plan, which outlines the activities and services the Queenstown Lakes District Council will provide during the ten year period from 2012 to 2022. 63 groups and individuals have elected to speak in support of their submissions at the hearings.

Mayor Vanessa van Uden said she was extremely happy with the number of submissions.

“On behalf of the council I would like to thank everybody who took the time to give us their thoughts on the draft 10-Year Plan. Council works to reflect the views of the community it serves and these submissions give us a great indication of what the community as a whole is thinking.”

QLDC finance manager and deputy CEO Stewart Burns said the new system of apportioning rates to allow for the indirect recovery of costs associated with the large number of visitors to the district had attracted a lot of comment.

“Rates, how much we pay and who pays for what are big issues for the entire district,” Mr Burns said.

“We’re pleased that people have taken the time to read the supporting material and get to grips with these complex issues. The oral submissions will give our Council much to think and talk about as they start the deliberation process following the hearings.”

The proposed Wanaka Sports Facility, the issues surrounding the mitigation of algae in Lake Wanaka and the deferral of the Queenstown Events Centre expansion also attracted large numbers of submissions.

“The costs associated with these projects have implications for our ratepayers now and in the future so we need to look at them carefully before proceeding,” Mr Burns said.

The first hearing will take place at the St John’s Ambulance Rooms, 4 Link Way, Wanaka tomorrow (Wednesday 16 May, 2012) at 9.30am with the Queenstown hearing beginning at the Council Chambers in Gorge Road at 9.30am on Thursday 17 May, 2012.

The hearings are open and members of the public are welcome to attend.

ENDS
For further comment please contact QLDC finance officer and deputy CEO Stewart Burns phone 03 441 0499

By: Andrea Bunting