That is the view of Michael Ross, who is chairman of the Wanaka Stakeholders Group opposed to Wanaka Airport being developed to take commercial jet aircraft.
Queenstown Mayor Jim Boult announced last week a series of measures to increase the public's involvement in airport planning but has since confirmed looking at alternatives to the Queenstown Airport Corporation's (QAC) dual Wanaka-Queenstown airport proposal will not be part of the work.
Mr Ross said yesterday the studies should "only go ahead" if the community had input to the terms of reference.
"We would even go as far as to say that the terms of reference should be signed off by a steering group, which should include representatives from the Wanaka Community Board, our Community Association representatives and the Wanaka Stakeholders Group."
Mr Ross said a steering group would ensure studies were not narrowly focused with "narrow commercial objectives".
The Queenstown Lakes District Council did not respond to Mr Ross' suggestion yesterday.
David Jerram, a member of the Flightplan 2050 group opposed to expansion of Queenstown Airport, said he was "disappointed and bewildered" the council would not consider the idea of moving Queenstown Airport.
"So, there is no intention to consider anything other than the current plans."
Mr Jerram said the council had no way of knowing whether shifting the airport was the answer to many of Queenstown's problems if it did not study the option.
"They continue to be blind-eyed to the multitude of problems the airport creates and that relocation would solve."
"If they think the dual airport is the solution, QLDC have their heads in the sand."
