The Queenstown Lakes District Council has approved a draft spatial plan - a document which will shape the growth of the district for the next 30 years.
Photo: Free photo ex Pikist.com
The plan is a collaboration between the council, central government and iwi.
The Whaiora Grow Well Partnership will prepare a joint work programme to support delivery of the plan.
When it was conceived in 2018 Queenstown Lakes was the fastest growing district in the country.
"The overarching goal of the Partnership and the Queenstown Lakes Spatial Plan is to 'Grow Well' or 'Whaiora' in Te Reo Māori, which translates to "in the pursuit of wellness". This reflects the three key principles of the plan - resilience, well-being and sustainability," a report to council accompanying the plan said.
The plan was the first of its kind, but similar work was underway in Tauranga and Waikato.
It had five aims:
- Consolidated growth and more housing choice;
- Public transport, walking and cycling are everyone's first travel choice;
- A sustainable tourism system;
- Well-designed neighbourhoods that provide for everyday needs;
- A diverse economy where everyone can thrive.
The council's chief executive, Mike Theelen, said the process might put the council ahead of the curve when it came to reform of the Resource Management Act and what that meant for local government.
"What we might see is some of the spatial planning Act legislation actually looking to these processes and actually drawing from their strengths and their challenges," he said.
The draft document received unanimous support and was now out for consultation.
"The Spatial Plan promotes a consolidated approach to accommodating future growth," the consultation document said.
"This means most of the change needed to accommodate the additional houses, jobs and visitors expected over the next 30 years will occur within the Wakatipu and Upper Clutha areas, primarily by growing within and around the existing urban areas of Queenstown and Wānaka.
"This approach builds on locations that are already fully or partially urbanised. It sets clear limits to outward urban growth, bound by natural features or areas subject to hazards. Future growth will be focused in locations with good access to facilities, jobs and public transport.
"New housing in these locations will increasingly move towards medium and higher density, such as townhouses, terraced housing and apartments. This will provide for a greater variety of housing, including more affordable options.
"It will also match the forecast growth in smaller households. The consolidated approach will support committed and future investment in improved public transport and active travel infrastructure.
"This will provide a far more sustainable transport system by reducing emissions, improving resilience and promoting safety and choice for all users."
Submissions close on 19 April.