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The Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board have questioned the need for an international airport at Tarras, revealing they would have "concerns for the Upper Clutha" if the proposed project was to get the green light.
In a statement released yesterday, board chairman Simon Telfer said Wānaka’s proximity to Tarras would make it a "sought-after first stop" for visitors to the region, placing additional pressure on the town’s infrastructure.
"The pressure on a relatively small Upper Clutha ratepayer base to provide the investment required for the anticipated surge in visitor numbers will be substantial," he said.
Countering Christchurch Airport’s suggestion the Tarras project would address Central Otago’s ballooning tourist numbers, Mr Telfer said the board was in favour of the "regenerative approach" to tourism, advocated by groups such as Lake Wānaka Tourism and Destination Queenstown.
"This has moved the focus away from mass tourism to mitigating the impacts of tourism with greater sensitivity for the place and its people," he said.
"It recognises the need to provide guardianship of the natural environment; the primary attraction to visitors in the first place."
He said the Queenstown Lakes District Council was developing a master plan for Wānaka Airport, and the board would push for this to be undertaken next year.
"This community-shaped strategy will provide clarity on airport users’, businesses’ and residents’ desire for the development of Wānaka Airport and the role it will play in the region over future decades," he said.
Council spokesman Sam White said the council had allocated a budget to begin the Wānaka Airport master planning process in the 2024-25 financial year.
"This will initially focus on working with stakeholders including the community board, Civil Aviation Authority, airport users, Wānaka Airport liaison committee and the wider community to set the scope for the project prior to formal consultation."
Mr Telfer said the environmental impact of increased air travel via Tarras would run counter to the district council’s Climate Action and Biodiversity Plan.
Adopted in 2019, the plan was in response to the council’s official declaration of a climate and ecological emergency.
It was intended to help the district "adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change", which included working with the tourism sector to become a "net-zero carbon and zero-waste destination".
Currently three years into its data-gathering phase, Christchurch Airport have said they would consider beginning the approvals process as soon as next year.
Mr Telfer said the board sought to be included in "any decision-making" on large infrastructure projects in the region and supported a "nationwide conversation" about the need for an additional international airport.
Christchurch Airport’s plans for Tarras had been a source of consternation for many locals in recent months.
A survey by the Wānaka Stakeholders Group found 83% of their members had "strong opposition" to the airport, while community group Sustainable Tarras said they were prepared to challenge the project in the Environment Court if necessary.