Queenstown Lakes Mayor Vanessa van Uden is defending the timing of publicity for the council's proposed Lakeview development.
Opponents say it smacks of arrogance that the council has started marketing the site before commissioners have made a decision on plan change 50.
The plan change, if approved, would extend the town centre area towards Skyline and allow a commercial development on the former campground site.
But Ms van Uden said it took a long lead time to market commercial developments.
''I have reviewed the document that was prepared and it is very clearly identified that it is subject to plan change 50 and the outcomes from that, and the convention centre is subject to funding.
''I don't think it's presupposing at all the outcome of plan change 50 or the convention centre funding - it's just putting it out there in the market.''
A brochure bearing the names of the QLDC and top property consultants CBRE describes a 5ha development called the ''Queenstown Convention Centre Precinct'' at Lakeview. The document says the site ''with stunning views across Lake Wakatipu'' is being rezoned under the plan change - ''with decisions anticipated in April 2015''.
Environmental law specialist Mike Holm - who represented Memorial Properties at the plan change hearings - criticised the timing of the marketing given the commissioners are still writing their decision.
''It shows a surprising lack of respect for the integrity of the hearing process. This is an arrogant attitude.''
Asked if this increased the likelihood of an appeal, he said yes.
''I think in the long run it may well increase the chances of this matter ending up in the Environment Court.''
- Mountain Scene
