The formation of a liaison group with a wide ranging remit for Wānaka Airport is underway but Wānaka Stakeholders Group (WSG) chair Michael Ross says its already “long overdue”. 

A Wānaka Airport Liaison Committee (WALC) was first recommended 12 years ago; five years ago it was designated to Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) in the District Plan; and midway through last year Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) still hadn’t appointed any members.

Now the first committee member, Wānaka Upper Clutha Community Board (WUCCB) chair Simon Telfer, has been selected and the process to select a WALC chair has begun, QLDC media and channels advisor Sam White told the Wānaka App.

“The process is taking the appropriate length of time given the stages involved in identifying and appointing the right committee members,” Sam said. 

“For the position of chair this will include a formal recommendation by the governance subcommittee and formal appointment by the full council; there was also an enforced delay either side of the local elections as the previous council ended and new elected members were sworn in.”

A timeframe for a completed committee could still not be confirmed, Sam said.

Michael says the process is taking too long and the council needs to “get on with the process”.

“QLDC should get the committee up and running ASAP, to ensure that the community is well represented, involved and informed on airport matters,” he said.

“There is no reason to delay making appointments, even if the committee later decides to appoint further members.”

The WALC draft terms of reference says the committee should include a chair, an airport manager, and someone from QLDC, Wānaka Airport Users Group, the commercial airlines, the airport corporation, and the WUCCB.

“I am sure that all these people are ready and keen to get on with it,” Michael said.

A broad remit had been proposed for the committee, including reviewing complaints, helping develop procedures to minimise adverse environmental effects on the community, reviewing progress on an airport masterplan and airport development, and encouraging parties to work together collaboratively.

Sam said once the full committee has been appointed, its draft terms of reference will be shared with the community.

PHOTO: Wānaka App