Shotover Delta planning partnership

A combination of planned works for the Shotover Delta has led the Queenstown Lakes District and Otago Regional Councils to enter into a partnership approach designed to reap benefits for the community.

“There are a number of key drivers and each and every one of them can be described as significant projects,” QLDC Mayor Clive Geddes said. There was recognition by the Councils that there were savings and benefits from an integrated approach.

As a consequence a Shotover Delta Steering Group with membership from both Councils had been working on a holistic approach to issues relating to: the Queenstown Airport Runaway End Safety Area (RESA); Shotover River Management and Project Shotover, the proposed disposal of wastewater to land scheme.

“It makes absolute sense for the Councils, together with the Queenstown Airport Corporation and the New Zealand Transport Agency, to adopt a partnership approach for the optimal delivery of all projects and the best result for the community,” ORC chairman Stephen Cairns said.

The Wakatipu Transportation Strategy 2007 flagged an alternative Frankton bypass through the Shotover Delta area. Although the bypass project was long term it had been captured in the Delta planning.

Each of the other three key projects would involve varying degrees of earthworks and development on the Delta, raising a unique opportunity to implement one overarching amenity plan.

“The result will be a vastly improved public area with walking and cycling trails, picnic areas, improved fishing access and revegetation. I have no doubt the Delta will become a highly desirable recreational destination for our community,” Mr Geddes said.

The plans provide for ongoing public access to the adjacent recreation areas and satisfied a wide set of objectives.

Each of the projects was at varying stages in the approval, consent and funding process.

The Queenstown Airport RESA is currently before planning commissioners, while the consents for Project Shotover were notified earlier this month.

“The Shotover River Management project, which stems from the Flood Mitigation agreement between both councils, is about minimising the likelihood of the Shotover River further constricting the outflow from Lake Wakatipu during high lake events,” Mr Cairns said.

The ORC project, which was subject to approval, (4 September) funding and consents included willow clearance, gravel management and extraction and construction of landscaped buffers to guide the river to the true left side of the Delta.
 

“The proposed Shotover River Management work is highly significant for the Wakatipu community and a really positive step,” Mr Geddes said. While the management would not end the risk of another ‘99 flood’, it would contribute to reducing the effects of another 100-year-flood

Each of the projects was based around public safety and environmental benefits.

“Achieving each project will be a milestone in itself so the added bonus of retention of public access and the enhancement of recreation amenity is a real bonus for the community,” Mr Cairns said.