Community facilities, a new bridge, a bus shelter, and historical plaques are just a few of the potential goals the Albert Town Community Association (ATCA) has on its impressive to-do list.

New ATCA chair Lucy Mitchell, who was elected at last Sunday’s (January 26) annual general meeting at the Albie Tavern, believes the committee is up to the challenge.

When the former chair for the last four years, Heather Thorne, announced she would be stepping down, Lucy (vice-chair at the time) put her name forward but was “nervous” about the commitment.

ATCA chair Lucy Mitchell with her dog, Ted. PHOTO: Supplied

She said under Heather's leadership the previous committee had achieved a lot, from planting and developing irrigation at the Gunn Road Bike Park to revamping the ATCA website, erecting historic plaques and making progress on rubbish bins in the commercial area.

“I didn’t want to see that progress wane. I hope I’ll do a good job”, she said.

In addition to the seven committee members elected, including three new faces, Elaine Kelly has retained her role as secretary, as has Stuart McKay as treasurer.

The seat of vice-chair remains vacant for now but, Lucy said, she’s hoping one of the committee members will take on the role.

The committee’s first formal meeting is scheduled for the first week of March, but Lucy plans to bring everyone together informally to have a chat about goals.

“Our first meeting will be brainstorming and setting priorities,” she said.

“I want to be really strategic about what we put our energies into so we don’t spread ourselves too thin.”

One of the goals is to arrange access to community facilities.

Unlike all other Upper Clutha communities, Albert Town doesn’t have a community facility and the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) has no plans to provide one. 

Riverside Park Community Facility is privately owned but its management is willing to share the facilities, including a meeting room. 

“We'd like to have our committee meetings there and community gatherings and events but, most importantly, we need a location the community can go in response to an emergency,” Lucy said.

A community facility would also help enhance Albert Town’s sense of community, she said.

The committee has been working on an arrangement with Riverside Park but needs QLDC to contribute funds to help cover the cost of the arrangement.

QLDC councillor Lyal Cocks is involved in negotiations and said it was a logical step for council in lieu of providing a community hall.

Other projects the committee might consider progressing include advocating for the plan to replace the aging James Horn (Albert Town) Bridge, adding QR codes to the six historic plaques already installed around Albert Town and add more plaques, and erecting a bus shelter in the commercial area for school students.