Concern for the environment, our way of life, and the local character are behind opposition to a proposed airport at Tarras, a recently released survey shows.

The survey of Upper Clutha Valley residents found that 68 percent of respondents are opposed to the establishment of a jet-capable airport at Tarras. 

A previous survey showed that 84 percent of Tarras residents opposed the airport.

Sustainable Tarras committee member Suze Keith said the results from both surveys “send a strong message”.

“The community does not support the CIAL [Christchurch International Airport Limited] proposal, and understandably this sentiment was stronger in Tarras.” 

Respondents indicated concern for the environment and the impact on roading and traffic congestion, however they were more positive about economic benefits to the region.

Suze said Sustainable Tarras, which commissioned the surveys, is made up of a “bunch of locals who really care about the future of Tarras and want to be part of the discussions about what that future looks like”.

Late last year Sustainable Tarras petitioned parliament asking that the airport not go ahead and claimed taxpayers are funding a development of an “unnecessary new international airport” in Tarras. 

Suze said that the group has not had a response from central government.

Meanwhile CIAL said in its August 2022 project update that it is continuing to progress a detailed aeronautical analysis with a goal of identifying a preferred runway alignment by the end of this year.

CIAL acknowledged the public's concerns relating to the environmental impact and the impact on roading and travel which it says were raised during community workshops.

“The project website has been updated, we've held some introductory workshops in Central Otago and continued talking with various groups across the region,” CIAL said.

Suze said Sustainable Tarras is continuing to gauge the community's reaction to the proposed Tarras airport with Lake Hāwea residents now being surveyed. 

“We pride ourselves on using an evidence-based approach to addressing the prospect of an international airport being built in Tarras,” Suze said.

“We don’t want to be seen to be cherry picking facts or misrepresenting the voice of the community.”

The survey questionnaire was designed by Sustainable Tarras Society and reviewed by Melbourne statistician Richard Walton. The results are accurate to +/- 8 percent.

The survey results can be read here.

PHOTO: Wānaka App