Central government’s $85M injection into Queenstown may have flow-on benefits for Wanaka, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and Ignite Wanaka say.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced an $85M contribution to projects in the Queenstown from the Crown Infrastructure Partners (CIP) fund late last month, which would make up the difference the QLDC needs to get started on $300M worth of projects.

The funding is earmarked for two Queenstown projects: a Queenstown Arterials Road and the Queenstown town centre upgrade. 

QLDC communications and engagement manager Naell Crosby Roe told the Wanaka App the funding may help bring other regional projects forward, such as Wanaka’s lakefront development and Cardrona’s wastewater project - both of which he called “strong cases”.

Three hundred and twenty jobs may be directly supported for design, engineering and construction staff for earmarked projects. 

The QLDC had pitched $68M worth of shovel-ready projects to central government for CIP funding, and the council is still waiting to hear back on CIP funding for three more projects, including the Cardrona wastewater scheme.

Ignite Wanaka executive officer Naomi Lindsay said the chamber of commerce is confident it has good Upper Clutha representation on all the regional business recovery groups.

Wanaka’s chamber of commerce is advocating on behalf of the community for some of the promised funds.

"We have a seat at the table, and we are advocating on behalf of our community," she said. "The business advisory group is meeting twice a week, we're having regular meetings with council."

The prime minister said the two Queenstown projects will “support” 320 jobs. QLDC media and channels advisor Jack Barlow said that may mean keeping people in current employment or opening new positions, in design, engineering and construction.

Last week finance minister Grant Robertson and infrastructure minister Shane Jones outlined a $3 billion infrastructure fund in the COVID Response and Recovery Fund, which includes an additional $260M for Otago. The ministers said the funds would be allocated across regions, "following extensive engagement with local councils and businesses".

The council has not yet responded to the Wanaka App’s questions about whether the Queenstown Lakes district will receive a slice of this funding.

PHOTOS: Wanaka App