Changes could be coming for one of Queenstown’s favourite commuter and recreational tracks — but it’s a process that appears to have come as a bit of a surprise to elected representatives, and the mayor.
Last week, Queenstown’s council opened up submissions for feedback on three types of surface seal being trialled at different points along the Frankton Track, deemed a ‘‘priority route’’ in the Whakatipu Active Travel Network.
There are 10-metre-long sections being used to determine which grade could potentially be used to seal the entire track.
Users can scan the QR codes along the trail to send in their thoughts.
Councillor Matt Wong, who admits he’s a more regular user of Fernhill trails, says he only learned the council had gone out for public consultation when it was pushed out on its social media last week.
And while Queenstown mayor Glyn Lewers says he knew the trial was going to happen, thanks to his time on the infrastructure committee during the previous term, he wasn’t told when it was going to start, or when feedback would be sought.
Lewers believes council was waiting to align Waka Kotahi funding, and upgrades to wastewater pipes beside the trail, which runs from Park Street to Frankton Beach.
Wong says the comments he’s seen and feedback he’s received over the past few days indicate, generally, the public don’t want it sealed at all.
‘‘And I tend to agree with them on that.’’
He says there should have been better communication around why it’s even being looked at, so the feedback was more informed.
Feedback closes March 31.
