Public transport was the main topic of discussion at a drop-in session for Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) Long Term Plan in Wānaka last week (Thursday April 18).

ORC has proposed a programme of works in the draft LTP which would mean Otago ratepayers would need to fork up for an average rates increase of 18.6 percent in 2024-2025.

The increase would be even higher for Queenstown Lakes ratepayers because of a proposed targeted rate for public transport (PT) which would mean Wānaka ratepayers would subsidise Queenstown PT.

Read more: Have your say on proposed rates hikes

At the drop-in session there were tables to discuss environmental funding, rates in general, infrastructure, and PT - and the PT table was abuzz with ORC transport manager Lorraine Cheyne in the hot seat.

When the Wānaka App visited Lorraine was suggesting to Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) deputy mayor Quentin Smith that Upper Clutha ratepayers could help subsidise PT in Queenstown, for the benefit of the region, and then in turn Queenstown ratepayers would eventually subsidise the development of PT in the Upper Clutha.

Public transport was the hot topic at the drop-in session.

Quentin said that has “never worked for us”. 

“We’re always the last cab off the rank,” he said.

Lorraine said there is a PT trial planned for the Upper Clutha with consultation on what a trial may look like beginning in July this year. She said she was familiar with the recent shuttle trial run by Wānaka’s Community Networks, but said it was not particularly helpful for ORC’s PT planning.

“There’s no magic money tree,” she added.

Quentin said the Community Networks trial was designed to fast track the discussion about PT in the community, and the trial showed “if anything, that Wānaka is not ready for widespread [PT] services”.

ORC Dunstan councillor Alexa Forbes told the Wānaka App that Upper Clutha ratepayers should not be paying the targetted PT rate.

“It’s a nonsense,” she said.

She was also concerned that hotels would pay the same targeted PT rate of $125.

“I think it’s really important that we figure out a way for hotels to pay a substantially larger rate.”

Alexa urged ratepayers to submit their feedback on the proposed LTP, which can be done here. Feedback is open until Saturday April 28

In addition to the LTP proposing a new targeted PT rate, it proposes a separate environmental fund for the Wānaka area to help maintain environmental gains of recent years and pay for projects such as pest management and water-care projects; and a new catchment action plan and rate, a new biodiversity strategy and an indigenous monitoring programme.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App