Queenstown Airport thanks community and stakeholders for feedback on proposed noise changes

Queenstown Airport has thanked the community and key stakeholders for their participation in the airport’s recent public consultation on its proposed noise changes, which closed on 20 August.

“We wanted to hear people’s views on our proposed noise changes and are very pleased with the level of feedback,” said Chief Executive Colin Keel. 

“We appreciate the effort put in by everyone who came to our information sessions, engaged with us online and provided us with direct written feedback. 

“We are currently working through nearly 1,500 online survey responses as well as a number of written individual and group responses.  Given the extent of the feedback and the need to consider all the comments, we will come back with our thoughts within the next few weeks.  The feedback will be made public at that time, although key personal details will be removed to protect the privacy of individuals.”

Mr Keel says that the consultation also triggered a broader discussion around growth and the role of tourism in Queenstown and across the district.

“We have engaged in many discussions about growth, the pressures on local infrastructure and the impact of increased visitor numbers. 

“Growth is an important topic of discussion and we’re mindful that Queenstown Airport is only one part of that equation.  We don’t want to lead the conversation about future growth in the district – the objective of our public consultation on the proposed noise changes was to give the community, airport stakeholders and employees, the business community and the tourism industry meaningful information on a significant airport constraint and seek their input.”

Queenstown Airport’s proposed noise changes would enable long-term operational capacity and accommodate a level of forecast passenger growth at the airport.  Equally important is the ability to meet demand in the medium-term given the projections that the current noise boundaries are likely to be reached in the next 3-4 years.

“Many people rely on the airport to connect them with national and international destinations, employ them or support their business or lifestyle.  Many are also concerned by aircraft noise, traffic congestion and pressures on local infrastructure.  We feel a strong responsibility to consider all viewpoints and try to strike the right balance for everyone involved,” said Mr Keel.