Submitters see proposed targeted rate as unfair

QUEENSTOWN’S council is feeling the heat over a proposed targeted rate that would help fund its $327 million town master plan.

Councillors heard from dozens of submitters at the first of two hearings for its 10yearplan in Queenstown yesterday.

The submitters covered a variety of issues and feedback on the overall direction of the plan was mainly positive.

But the proposal to extend the CBD zone and introduce a targeted rate did not go down well with some.

The rate will help fund a raft of new measures detailed in the plan, including parking buildings, new arterial routes, cycle lanes, water taxi infrastructure and bus priority lanes.

While at least half the master plan funding was expected to come from external sources such as the NZ Transport Agency, ratepayers would stump up $3.5 million a year over a 30year period.

Those within the new town centre zone would fund 65% of that. The remaining 35% would come from the wider ratepayer base.

Residential ratepayers would see their rates rise between 6.2% and 15.4%. Commercial rate payers would pay up to 30.3% more.

Submitter Craig Smith said the rate would ‘‘unfairly burden’’ residents and holiday home owners.

Mr Smith’s family owned a crib in the proposed new zone.

Most of the people coming into Queenstown in vehicles and using the CBD were from outside that zone, he said.

‘‘It’s inequitable to burden people like ourselves and permanent residents.’’ He believed Queenstown was being driven by ‘‘commercial interests’’, and felt commercial operators should have to contribute more towards the master plan.

Brian Fitzpatrick said he supported a targeted rate but wanted the zone changed so residents were not impacted.

Jay Cassells said it was unfair for residents to have to pay for capital costs ‘‘enjoyed by a far wider class of people’’.

The need for more community activities and facilities was also highlighted.

Making his point dressed in a Shakespearean costume, Remarkable Theatre’s Blaise Barham said he was excited about the prospect of a new theatre, and hoped the organisation would be considered to become a resident group.

Remarkable Theatre had used the former Isle St ambulance building, now part of the councilowned Lakeview Holiday Park, for many years. But a laundry fire last month meant the rooms would be out of action for several months.

There were also calls for funding for a multisport turf and extended library hours.

While many submitters were positive about the council’s big plans, former mayor Warren Cooper was not as complimentary.

Describing them as ‘‘far too ambitious’’, he also believed they were too expensive.

‘‘I don’t see it as feasible.’’ A second day of hearings will take place in Wanaka today.