Queenstown Lakes District mayor Glyn Lewers is encouraging more people to make a submission on the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) draft Long Term Plan (LTP) 2024-2034.

Consultation opened on June 27 and to date just over 150 submissions have been received; with submissions due to close on July 28, there are two weeks left for people to have a say.

“I’ve enjoyed getting along to drop-in sessions and markets over the past two weeks, talking to our communities about council’s priorities for the next decade and what it means for the rates you pay,” Glyn said.

“I’ll be joining councillors at more sessions through July and look forward to seeing more of you out in the community, but my key message to you all is to get your submission in.”

The draft LTP proposes an average rates increase of 15.6 percent for local ratepayers.

It includes a $2.4B capital programme, predominantly focused on Three Water compliance activities; a proposal to bring forward investment in community and sporting facilities, including sports fields in Wānaka and clean energy upgrades at the district’s aquatic facilities; and a proposal to introduce a targeted rate on Queenstown town centre properties.

Elected members including councillor Nikki Gladding and deputy mayor Quentin Smith have also urged ratepayers to read about the draft LTP and make a submission.

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The Let’s Talk online consultation hub details upcoming opportunities to discuss the LTP with elected members and supporting information to help ratepayers understand the proposal.

They include an online dashboard mapping where capital investment is proposed in the district; a financial strategy setting out how the council funds its activities on behalf of the district; and a 30-year infrastructure strategy, proposing a long-term view of infrastructure requirements.

“We need to hear the views of as many different people as possible as this plan affects everyone who lives, works or owns a property in our district,” Glyn said.

“It explains how we plan to manage the challenges and opportunities of our fast-growing population and deliver the infrastructure and services we need.”

The consultation document has been delivered to letterboxes across the district and can be found, along with more detailed information and a submission form here.

PHOTO: Wānaka App