Active travel funding for Wanaka in Ten Year Plan
The Queenstown Lakes District Council proposes to make a major commitment to active travel in the Upper Clutha that sees
significant funding for walking and cycle activities included in the draft Ten Year Plan (TYP).
Provision of $1.5 million has been budgeted for active travel improvements in the draft TYP. There is also $4.1 million
allocated for shared spaces in the town centre, which includes walking and cycling improvements as part of the Wanaka
Lakefront Development Plan. A further budget of $820K has been earmarked for the development of off-road tracks across
the Upper Clutha area.
In addition to these proposed funds, QLDC Deputy Mayor Calum MacLeod confirmed there is also $8.7 million for the Wanaka
Transport Minor Improvements Programme. “This programme can attract NZTA financial assistance and is used to implement
low-cost/low-risk improvements across the transport network. Qualifying activities can include the development of new or
improved walking and cycling facilities.”
“While some feel it would be better to have more money allocated to active transport solutions, there are a number of
other budget lines in the draft TYP that also contribute to this across the Wanaka Ward. We are currently working to
understand the pressures across the network. In this regard, additional budget has been included in years one and two of
the draft TYP for the development of business cases to identify the key areas for further investment,” said Councillor
MacLeod.
Looking to the future there is a significant amount of further planning required so QLDC can make sure any investment
ensures the best possible outcome for the Upper Clutha community, as well as visitors to the area.
“We need to hear from the community where you support this investment or not. We encourage anyone who would like to make
a submission on this issue, or anything else covered in the draft ten year plan, to do so before the consultation period
closes,” said Councillor MacLeod.
Submissions close on 13 April and can be completed online: https://www.qldc.govt.nz/your-council/formal-processes/ten-year-plan/
ENDS