Approval has been given by a panel of experts Queenstown Arterials Project, which will greatly improve transport links and reduce the congestion of locals and visitors in the tourism hotspot.

Environment Minister David Parker welcomed the approval of the project to build, operate and maintain a new city street around Queenstown city center.

“Traffic congestion has long been a problem for Queenstown and needs to be addressed as the city continues to grow and tourism recovers after COVID-19. This project will help future-proof the city and contribute to a much safer and more climate-friendly transport network, “he said.

It will include cycling and walking connections that reduce dependency on private vehicles and promote lower-emission modes of transport.

“During the construction phase, this project will create jobs and support the local economy, which has been hard hit by the impact of the pandemic on international travel.” David Parker said.

The project advisors expect the project to offer 477 direct full-time positions and 702 indirect employment opportunities during the construction period.

“This project meets the requirements of the fast-track consent process – getting people into work, supporting the transition to low emissions, and boosting the local economy.” David Parker said.

The COVID-19 Recovery Act (Fast-Track Consenting) 2020 is one of the government levers to create jobs, accelerate infrastructure development and improve environmental outcomes in response to the economic impact of COVID-19.

Approval was given by a panel of experts chaired by Attorney Heather Ash.

The decision took 67 working days from the time the application was submitted to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This is significantly faster than the time it would take to obtain a similar approval under the Resource Management Act 1991 approval process.

(With contributions from the New Zealand government press release)

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