The Queenstown Lakes District Council's decision to delay two major Wanaka capital projects worth a combined $21.5 million has earned a sharp rebuke from the the town's aquatic centre working party chairman, Leigh Stock.
The council wants to reduce its predicted 2019 debt bill of $413 million and has suggested delaying the $11.5 million pool until 2014-16, while construction of a $10 million indoor stadium would start in 2011.
Mr Stock was disappointed because the community had identified the need for a new pool five years ago, when it became clear the present pool's days were numbered.
"I don't know if that pool will stand up to the rigours of community use, that it is not designed for . . .
''With the pool, I don't think it will last the distance," he said.
Mr Stock was also frustrated the council had not given him a "heads-up" before briefing the media this week.
"The working party members . . . put their heart and soul into it and I would have appreciated a [call]."
The working party was already frustrated with delays caused by discussions on whether the pool would stand alone or be combined with an indoor stadium, he said.
The working party has twice recommended a stand-alone site at Kelly's Flat.
It was forced to revisit - but did not change - its first recommendation after a separate group came up with the indoor stadium proposal in 2007, prompting a controversial suggestion the two be co-located at the Wanaka Lakeview Holiday Park.
Mr Stock said the new time frame for the pool was "ridiculous" as the need had been identified "a heck of a lot earlier" than the stadium.
He appreciated the Mt Aspiring College gym was under pressure but felt the new primary school could have a facility that could be shared with the community.
Sports facilities working party chairman and Lakes Leisure board chairman Mike Saunders said yesterday the delay in building Wanaka's indoor stadium was by just one year but was still disappointing.
He felt it was important to have a balanced view of community needs and there was a dire need for a new indoor stadium in Wanaka, whereas swimmers already had a pool.
Pressure would be kept on the council, although a site had not been decided yet.
Even if the camping ground was used, it would not be available until next year, Mr Saunders said.
He noted the Wanaka sports facilities proposal was still near the top of the list, whereas the proposed extensions to the Queenstown Events Centre had been put further down.
"That was always going to be the case and alternative funding investigations [into the Queenstown project] will continue," Mr Saunders said.
Wanaka sportsman Mike O'Connor said any delays for a stadium could increase construction costs.
"At the moment, I would have thought they could be building at a cheaper cost than it has been for some years, bearing in mind everyone isn't flat out," he said.
The 10-year plan will be released on Friday, April 17, and public submissions close on April 21.
A hearing is set for June 4-5, with a final vote on June 30.
