A Wanaka lobby group will today present arguments in favour of a sports hub on the Wanaka showgrounds and camping ground site and ask the Queenstown Lakes District Council to delay making a decision.
The report and a suggested site layout plan were released to the Otago Daily Times on Sunday by group member and former councillor Aaron Heath.
The report has been signed by 14 businessmen, including two other former councillors John Wilson and Peter Gray.
The group opposes a recommendation by QLDC community services general manager Paul Wilson to locate the sports facilities on the outskirts of town at a greenfield's site owned by two development companies.
The greenfields option requires the council to strike an early reserves contribution deal with the landowners and buy other land for $440,000 plus costs.
Ratepayers would face an average rates increase of 2.54% ($57.47) to 3.64% ($82.23), depending on the site choice.
The group wants the council to delay the decision because it believes more consultation and analysis is needed.
"Cynical as it may seem, it is our view that once located on the proposed greenfields site, the sports facilities will be used as a promotional tool to attract retailers and customers away from the current town centre."
Paul Wilson released a report last week that, among other things, noted extensive consultation had already taken place regarding the showgrounds and camping ground site.
Three design options exist for that site.
He acknowledged there had not been any public consultation on four design options in the greenfields area.
