Queenstown Lakes residents are facing a proposed average rates rise of 13.6 percent.

QLDC councillors will consider the proposed rates rise as part of the draft annual plan at Thursday’s (March 23) full council meeting.

If approved, this would be more than double last year’s increase, which averaged 6.5 percent.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) chief executive Mike Theelen acknowledged the proposed rates increase is a “tough proposition”, but he said the council was facing “considerable” cost increases.

QLDC had worked hard to minimise the size of the increase, he said.

The draft annual plan also proposes price increases for a range of other council services like access to council-owned sport and recreation facilities, building consents and animal registration. 

QLDC mayor Glyn Lewers said some of the factors behind the proposed increase were rising interest rates, high levels of inflation, staff shortages linked with accommodation challenges, and supply issues.

“[Council] is facing many of the challenges shared by others at this time,” Glyn said.

Recent building defect and weather tightness claims against the council have also had a significant impact, he said.

“The combination of these conditions has required council to seriously review its capital works programme and service delivery.”

A number of projects will be rescheduled to later years to reduce the capital expenditure programme.

Mike said an improved dividend from Queenstown Airport Corporation would offset some of the increase to ratepayers.

Copies of the consultation document are available at council offices and in libraries, and online.

Council is also planning pop-up sessions throughout the district for community members to speak with staff and councillors about the draft plan.

PHOTO: Supplied