The location of a $10.6 million sports complex in Wanaka remains undecided after the Queenstown Lakes District Council decided yesterday to investigate alternatives to the showgrounds and camping ground sites.
The local community's preference for an alternative "greenfields" site, on the outskirts of town, was a decisive factor in the debate.
Cr Lyal Cocks, of the Wanaka ward, said his telephone had been "running hot" over the weekend with about 50 calls in favour of a greenfield option.
"Based on the community feedback, I am quite certain we will end up in the Environment Court on this matter, if we choose the showground option," he said.
Cr John S Wilson, a member of the council's working party which had recommended the showground site, said the issue had got the Wanaka community "quite excited", which was healthy.
"But I have come to think that maybe we should at least give further considerations to the greenfield options," he said.
Mayor Clive Geddes, previously a strong supporter of the showgrounds, was more cautious.
"This matter has been debated for more than three years, so I don't think we should make this last-minute feedback the only basis of our decision.
But I will agree with Cr Cocks' suggestion to leave the option open," he said.
QLDC community services general manager Paul Wilson told the council the allocated budget of $10.6 million in the council's long term plan would not be sufficient to fund the Wanaka sports facilities.
Additional funding would have to be found.
He also asked the councillors to consider whether the council was prepared to spend about $35,000 per concept plan for each of the potential solutions.
The council decided to keep investigating both the showgrounds option and potential greenfield options at areas, such as the Three Parks site, and see if there would be vendors willing to sell suitable land.
It was decided not to initiate a reserve management plan for the showground site until the preferred solution had been found.
Mr Geddes said regardless of which option was chosen, it would probably be at least three years before any facilities would be completed.
