Making a joint submission on the council's draft 10-year plan in Queenstown yesterday, Warren Cooper and Sir John Davies suggested a transport hub at Frankton.
Mr Cooper, a long-serving mayor, told the hearing panel, of Mayor Vanessa van Uden, chief executive Adam Feeley and councillors Alexa Forbes, Craig Ferguson, Cath Gilmour, Mel Gazzard and Merv Aoake, a hub earmarked for Frankton Golf Club would be the answer to traffic problems plaguing Queenstown.
He described the Wakatipu as the jewel of the region, but emphasised Frankton congestion was deterring people from coming into town.
''There is development in Queenstown in a way I never thought would happen.''
Mr Cooper described workers as flooding into town, almost pushing tourists out.
He said discussion was needed with the Otago Regional Council, New Zealand Transport Agency and the community to advance the issue.
Clearly excited about the proposal, he said the idea struck him as if he had ''discovered gold''.
With increased development planned for Queenstown, there was no alternative, he said.
Sir John echoed his sentiments.
''Park and ride is the only logical thing to do to drive traffic out of Queenstown. For workers, it's purely and simply a way to get into town.''
The council needed to address issues over residents parking within the CBD.
He thought residential permits, one per household, might prevent multiple-vehicle households hogging parks.
''Never in my 30 years have I seen growth like we have seen in the last two years. Parking is going to be a real problem. We will be handicapped by traffic and our reputation will be ruined because of it. I'm convinced this is the only answer for this town - traffic is only going to get worse.''
QLDC's controversial convention centre was also a popular topic, raised by several submitters with differing views.
Ngai Tahu Tourism southern regional manager David Kennedy supported the project and the Lakeview site, while resident Brian Bayley said it should not happen as it would increase debt and limit the statutory obligations of the council.
Ahead of yesterday's hearing, submitters were asked several questions including their opinion on the proposed convention centre, the Wanaka pool, transport issues and water rates.
The hearing resumes in Wanaka today.
- Louise Scott
