Arrowtown Growth Boundary

Studies have identified that the population of Arrowtown is likely to increase by 635 residents by 2026, Queenstown Lakes District Council senior planning analyst Mark Rushworth said.

“For a town of just over 1000 dwellings, that is a hugely significant figure to grapple with,’ he said.

The Arrowtown community flagged its concern about growth and where it will take place in the town during recent district-wide consultation over growth boundaries.

“We felt it important to focus on Arrowtown as a priority but we need to undertake further consultation with the Arrowtown community before it goes down the track of developing a Plan Change, which would be needed to create any Arrowtown Growth Boundary,” Mr Rushworth said.

A brochure will be distributed through the Mirror newspaper (tomorrow) and will also be posted directly to all out-of-town Arrowtown ratepayers.

“We have also developed a more detailed discussion document and feedback form, which will be on the council website from tomorrow and at the Lakes District Museum and the Arrowtown Library,” Mr Rushworth said.

The council also encouraged Arrowtown residents to take the time to attend one of two drop-in sessions.

“We want to try and give residents an opportunity before they go on holiday and also capture holiday-home owners visiting during the Christmas period,” he said.

The two drop-in sessions would be held at Arrowtown on Thursday 18 December 2008 and Wednesday 14 January 2009 at the Athenaeum Hall from 3-6pm.

“This is a very important issue for the town. I have no doubt there will be a lot of discussion and debate but the important thing is that people read the information and give us informed feedback. It’s an Arrowtown issue for the Arrowtown community, I can’t stress that enough,” Mr Rushworth said.

Comment on the proposed boundary must be with the council by Friday, 14 February.