A focus on tourism drives a new proposal to fund infrastructure and boost economic growth in Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes.

Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC), Central Otago District Council (CODC), and Otago Regional Council (ORC) have teamed up to push for a regional deal with central government to address critical infrastructure needs and support sustainable economic growth.

The joint proposal outlines a long-term vision to strengthen the region’s dominant tourism and viticulture industries while tackling pressing growth pressures.

“Our part of the country is an economic powerhouse, but there is urgency to address critical infrastructure needs and deliver affordable housing,” QLDC mayor Glyn Lewers said.

The plan’s primary objectives are to use tourism to boost economic growth, “transform the transport system”, secure energy needs for the future, and use private investment to deliver public health services.

Read the proposal here.

Councils plan to leverage private investment to deliver public health services, noting that “medical tourism contributes to both the economy and the community”.

Last year councils were invited to submit proposals for a ‘Regional Deal’ to work with central government on a 30-year ‘vision’ and a 10-year plan, with proposals needing to demonstrate how any deal would unlock productivity, connectivity and housing.

In December the three councils co-signed a letter to express their interest in submitting a proposal and since then elected members and staff from the respective councils, along with representatives from the private and public sectors and iwi, have been working together to refine a proposal to put to central government.

The joint proposal presents a collective vision to support dominant industries, maximise investment and visitation, and ensure the region remains an attractive and liveable destination, Glyn said.

“We continue to grow but we need to grow well to retain and boost what makes our region special,” he said.

The proposal will be discussed and voted on by councillors at QLDC on Tuesday (February 25) and at CODC and ORC on Wednesday (February 26).

If the three councils agree to support the proposal, the next step would be to submit it to the Department of Internal Affairs. If the Otago Central Lakes proposal is selected, more work will be carried out to negotiate and agree the details of the deal.

“The packages set out in the proposal are a starting point for negotiations and will still need to be formally agreed by the three parties and any delivery partners,” a joint statement from the three councils said.

PHOTOS: Supplied