Neil Gillespie

Q1 It is well known that one of the key contributors to the historic issues with Lake Hayes water quality has been from upstream land development. What is your position on intensification in the Lake Hayes catchment area?

The impact of land intensification on Lake Hayes has been the cause for much concern and debate for many years.  The impacts of this intensification, both past and future,  need to be carefully managed so as not to degrade the lakes water quality nor any other degradation of the surrounding environment.  Clearly the Otago Regional Council has a role to play here and given the lakes status as a regionally significant wetland, I would expect that they will continue to ensure that the protection it is afforded by the Regional Water Plan is given effect to.

Q2a Do you consider the current Coronet Village Fast-Track application that includes 780 residences positive or negative?

I have no view on this issue.

Q2b Why do you say that?

I understand that Schedule 2 of the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 includes this project and that legislation details how any substantive application will be processed.   I am not ware that a substantive application has been made and don’t consider it appropriate to have a view without the benefit of the relevant information that it will include.

Q3 What infrastructure would you like to see in place to address our traffic and sewerage issues in Queenstown? Please provide specific examples.

I have no view on what specific infrastructure should be put in place to address traffic and sewerage issues in Queenstown other than it should be fit for purpose, comply with all relevant legislation/regulation (both during construction and when un operation) and be funded by those that creating the demand for the infrastructure.