More planes accepted

THE majority of Upper Clutha residents surveyed by the Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) appear happy to accept Wanaka Airport being developed and for there to be an increase in visitor numbers as a result.

The QAC has released information gathered at two workshops in Wanaka between May and July, and online since then, as part of a master plan process.

The workshops were attended by 111 people and 71 online surveys have been completed, although consultation is continuing.

According to QAC analysis, 75% of 149 people were ‘‘completely supportive or supportive’’ of scheduled air services returning to Wanaka, with 12% ‘‘opposed or completely opposed’’.

Also, ‘‘overall 61% [of 71 responses] were supportive of increased visitors’’ but the analysis noted 38% would rather have no flights if it meant more visitors.

The analysis showed ‘‘79% (of 52) wanted domestic flights 57 times a week’’ and ‘‘45% (of 177) said they thought A320 [jet] aircraft should service Wanaka’’.

Chief executive Colin Keel said in a statement accompanying the survey results the QAC was ‘‘embarking on the first leg of the journey’’.

‘‘It’s important we take a considered approach to the master planning process and bring everyone who has an interest in Wanaka Airport’s future on the journey with us.’’

The convener of the newlyformed Wanaka Stakeholders Group, Michael Ross, said the participation rate and sample size was ‘‘modest’’ and therefore ‘‘the results seem unlikely to represent a broad crosssection of the Upper Clutha community’’.

‘‘However, we are happy to see that the key takeaways from their consultation are the overriding importance of sustainability and infrastructure.’’

Mr Ross said his group’s prime concern was that the Wanaka consultation happened before Queenstown residents rejected expanding Queenstown Airport.

‘‘The overwhelming rejection of the QAC’s proposal was a gamechanger. It inevitably poses the question about what role Wanaka airport might play as an overflow for Queenstown.’’

One of the public comments included with the survey stated: ‘‘I think the concept of duplicating scheduled flights to the QLDC area from both Queenstown and Wanaka is ridiculous.

‘‘Two commercial airports within 60 minutes’ drive of each other makes no sense.’’