Ladies Mile Partnership has proposed the development of up to 750 homes be built on rural land near the confluence of the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers, with a mixture of low and medium-density housing around a small commercial core and a primary school.
Monday's submission from lawyer Warwick Goldsmith on behalf of Ladies Mile Partnership advised commissioners they had a choice to make - accept the development with the jobs, cash injection and affordable housing it would bring, or end up with "maybe 25 multimillion-dollar rural lifestyle blocks".
A "park and ride" facility is also proposed, which Mr Goldsmith said had the potential to offer "long-term transport benefit for Queenstown".
On Tuesday, Mr Goldsmith discussed a possible 26 free houses or bulk-titled land for the Queenstown Lakes Community Housing Trust, with more lots available at full price.
Trust chairman David Cole said statistics predicted 10,000 extra Wakatipu residents by 2015, and integrating affordable housing now would go towards avoiding future "ghettos and small clusters of affordable housing, which will be identifiable for what they are".
The pair behind the Shotover Country concept, Grant and Sharyn Stalker also submitted in person.
Consulting engineer David Hamilton gave evidence for Shotover Country to the effect that with proposed river gravel infill from ORC flood protection works, the site would be safe from one-in-100-year floods.
Those opposed to the development were out in force on Wednesday.
The New Zealand Transport Agency sought that the proposal "be rejected in its entirety" and representatives of the Otago Regional Council contested Mr Hamilton's evidence.
They opposed the development on the grounds of risk of developing near a dynamic river environment, and objected to the proposed use of gravel infill from ORC flood-protection works.
Other opposers of note included the closest neighbouring landowner to the proposed development, Sheena Haywood, and a representative of Arith Holdings, RCC Group and Jack's Point Residents and Owners Association.
A representative for the Lake Hayes Estate Community Association supported the proposal, and the Queenstown Airport Corporation made a submission in favour, subject to conditions.
Today's submitters will include neighbouring landowners Preston and Helen Stevens, followed by Shotover Country associated landowners Russell and Ruth Jones.
Commissioners will also hear a response from Queenstown Lakes District Council senior policy analyst Karen Page, whose report was criticised by Mr Goldsmith on Monday.
That will be followed by Shotover Country's right of reply to all submitters.
AT A GLANCE
Overall value: More than $300 million.
How many homes: Up to 750 in low to medium-density housing.
Also proposed: Primary school, small commercial core and a "park and ride" facility.
Ladies Mile Partnership: Grant and Sharyn Stalker, and Terry and Bec McCashin.
Other landowners involved: Russell and Ruth Jones, Joe and Lu Bagrie and Don and Heather Moffat.
Overall land area: About 120ha.
Hearing commissioners: Crs Mel Gazzard, Cath Gilmour and Leigh Overton.
Submissions for/against: 133 submissions received: 112 in support, 20 in opposition and one neutral.
