Glenorchy residents want public access to reserve land along Lake Wakatipu when the council carries out proposed land swaps.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council yesterday approved a land swap with the Department of Conservation and a private landowner.
The council will take over part of Glenorchy Rd, near the Glenorchy airstrip, along with some of the scenic land in the area, in return for closing a couple of other roads leading to the airstrip and to the lakefront area near the Blanket Bay lodge.
A section of road below Blanket Bay will become "esplanade reserve", vested in the council.
At yesterday's public forum two Glenorchy residents voiced concern about limited access to the area.
"If the area becomes closed, could we have an easement area along the road?" Corrine Davis, of the Glenorchy Riding Club, asked.
"This is a chance to take horses and children through an area safely, without riding along the traffic at the busy Glenorchy-Queenstown road."
She was joined by Christine Kelly, who said the Glenorchy Community Association had been consulted over the past couple of years, but had not been given a chance to view and discuss the final proposal.
Queenstown Lakes Mayor Clive Geddes said there had been thorough consultation since 2002 about the affected area.
The councillors voted to go ahead with the planned land swap, but said closure of the road from Buckler Burn to the esplanade reserve would be subject to further consultation.
