Wanaka's sports hub

Big decisions are almost always difficult for communities.

They necessitate spending huge amounts of ratepayer money, and pressure is applied by all sorts of interests and opinions.

The Forsyth Barr Stadium is a classic example in Otago, with vociferous debate over the idea, the funding, the site, the design.

Wanaka, in its own way, faces such questions over its sports complex. Opposition and support will swirl whatever decisions are taken.

Wanaka, as a rapidly growing town, has recognised the need for a sports hub, although warnings are sounding that the $10.6 million budget will be nowhere near enough.

The choice of site, however, is causing angst.

The Wanaka showgrounds and camping ground was a long-term frontrunner before opposition grew, and discussions have continued for years.

It has just re-emerged as the preferred site, with Mayor Clive Geddes saying the decision to go ahead will be a milestone for the Upper Clutha and enable an "exciting and desperately needed project" to become a reality.

The full council, though, at its meeting last Tuesday, balked.

It decided instead to investigate first other options.

Wanaka councillor Lyal Cocks had been bombarded with calls in favour of a "greenfields" option, and Mr Geddes, with reluctance, was among those who agreed to leave the matter open for now.

Some members of two of the main users of the site, the Upper Clutha A and P Society and the Upper Clutha Rugby Club, have become more and more concerned about the plans.

The society fears the loss of show space to sports fields and car parks, and the rugby club is concerned about losing its autonomy and its stand-alone club rooms.

The camping ground would, at the very least, be cut back, and anxieties about congestion and parking and traffic problems have brewed.

Add in issues about the location of a new swimming pool at some unspecified time and there is plenty to disagree over.

"Old" Wanaka has also been used to fending for itself, as in the building of the rugby club rooms or the current pool, and the whole council machination business will be disconcerting.

Meanwhile, council investigations proceeded into five "greenfield" sites last year after recommendations from the Wanaka Community Board.

They concluded the most significant drawback with such options was the need to acquire land, a consideration not to be underestimated: just look at the hefty costs added to the stadium in Dunedin because of that requirement.

Yet the hesitation of the council on Wednesday is understandable.

A site such as in the planned Three Peaks development, or somewhere else between the main highway into town, Ballantyne Rd and Riverbank Rd, would keep the town and lake-side area free for other uses, and be a lot less cramped.

Access from places like Albert Town, Lake Hawea and Luggate would be easier, and designs would not have to be fitted into the constraints of the showgrounds. On the other hand, advantages accrue in central locations and from siting community services in close proximity.

Any complex could dovetail with St Columba Church's planned community centre.

The debates from within what is a vigorous, committed and interested community have parallels with arguments over the building of the Wanaka Centre.

As it has transpired, the centre is already too small and the lack of close parking is an issue.

But Wanaka did finish up with a valuable asset and, once the final decision to go ahead was made, the community backed it.

Similarly, elected councillors soon are going to have to fulfil their role and make hard decisions.

While it is reasonable for a final look at "greenfields" options, the council cannot keep finding new ground and going over old matters.

Every possible site will have its benefits and disadvantages and every choice will be unpopular in some quarters.

But the time is rapidly approaching where the council can no longer dither, and must push ahead.