A realignment of State Highway 6 at Wanaka Airport is being contemplated by roading authorities, with several commercial, aviation, and tourism proposals waiting in the wings for development around the ratepayer-owned asset.
New Zealand Transport Agency planning manager Ian McCabe, of Dunedin, said speed limit changes and a roundabout were among the ''very early'' options being discussed to handle an expected growth of activities associated with the airport.
A realignment and widening of SH6, to compensate for a roundabout to handle traffic from the airport and recreational activities on the corner of Mt Barker Rd, is ''one of several possibilities,'' he said.
The NZTA is reviewing the section of SH6 as part of the Queenstown Lakes District Council's move to adopt a plan change for Wanaka Airport.
Resource consents to address an expected growth in commercial and tourism activities are also being considered, Mr McCabe said.
The NZTA's possible changes for SH6 at the airport came to light at a resource consent hearing for a proposed amusement park, held in Wanaka yesterday.
A family trust associated with Robert, Judith, and their son Eamon Young, wants to build and operate the amusement attraction on the corner of Mt Barker Rd and SH6, directly opposite the airport and the established ''Have-a-Shot'' facility.
The Youngs' planner, Dan Curley, of Queenstown consultancy Vivian and Espie, brought NZTA's ''discussions'' to the attention of resource consent commissioners David Collins and Sally Middleton.
Mrs Middleton had questioned whether the proposed location of the amusement park site at the ''dangerously busy'' intersection opposite the airport was appropriate given the ''exacerbated'' traffic demands it would create.
The Otago Daily Times contacted Mr McCabe yesterday, who said the NZTA had lodged a ''neutral'' submission regarding the possible effects of the proposed amusement park.
The Youngs contend the site they have chosen for their proposal will complement existing recreational activities in the area, while also foreshadowing future developments and growth which is anticipated for Wanaka Airport.
Their lawyer, Jan Caunter, of Wanaka, said it was important to emphasise the site had been chosen because of its close proximity to the existing commercial facilities.
''They ... already draw substantial visitors each year, which in themselves have altered the character of this environment.
''Aside from its obvious capability as a regional airport facility, Wanaka Airport also houses tourist attractions, such as the Toy and Transport Museum and the Fighter Pilots Museum,'' she said.
Some residents in the locality are against the activities contemplated by the Youngs, and a report from Lakes Environmental's chief Wanaka planner, Michelle Grinlinton-Hancock, has recommended the proposal be declined.
The hearing is due to end today.
