Loud ‘no’ to racket at airport
In the face of strong opposition Queenstown Airport has – for now – backed away from increasing aircraft noise limits to allow for future tourism growth.
Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) chief executive Colin Keel said it would complete a Wanaka Airport master plan and await the outcome of other long term planning for Wanaka and Frankton before taking the noise change proposal any further.
‘‘It does not mean it is off the table.’’
QAC received more than 1500 responses to its public consultation and just over 90 per cent were opposed to the idea of expanding noise boundaries to provide for planned growth of up to 5.1 million passengers a year.
Opponents, which included local residents, businesses and three schools, were concerned raised noise levels would have a negative impact on quality of life and health, on the natural environment, and would adversely affect potential commercial developments in the area.
About two thirds saw no benefit in the long-term growth proposed by the airport on the grounds that increasing tourist numbers would have a detrimental impact on the visitor
‘‘It does not mean it is off the table.’’ QAC boss Colin Keel
experience, while imposing significant costs on residents and the wider community.
When asked how to avoid or mitigate aircraft noise, respondents wanted flights to remain at current levels or be reduced, with additional forecast growth directed to other locations – such as Invercargill – or to a new airport on another site.
The latter option was also raised by Air New Zealand which supported the proposed change to noise boundaries along with 53 other respondents, most of whom live outside the affected area.
Keel said it was clear from the public consultation that many people linked any increase in airport activity to wider questions around regional growth, and for that reason they needed to integrate airport planning with that being done by other organisations, particularly Queenstown Lakes District Council.
Frankton Community Association chair Glyn Lewers said the decision to ‘‘hit the pause button’’ was pleasing for thousands of residents who would be affected by any increase experienced in noise limits.