Businesses 'exhausted with attitude' of QLDC

The business community went on the attack at Thursday's Queenstown Lakes District Council meeting held, for perhaps the first time, in Arrowtown.

During the public forum consecutive business leaders used their three minutes of allocated speaking time to urge the council to rethink policies, they say, are making it tougher to do business in the district.

Queenstown Business Chamber of Commerce chief executive Sharon Fifield says her members are expressing serious concerns that the council has taken the vitality of the Queenstown CBD for granted.

"There's a worrying fear that we may lose this vibrancy, which is essential for our community, especially as we navigate the aftermath of recent upgrades and investments."

Ms Fifield gave the mayor and councillors a sneak peak of early responses to a business confidence survey of her members that closes today - and they were far from flattering.

She said one participant spoke of feeling "exhausted with the attitude of the council to businesses in the CBD", with increased charges for outdoor dining and the punishing of residents and locals alike for minor parking indiscretions listed among complaints.

Another claimed council policies are costing time and money business owners don't have spare, and contributing to people's mental distress.

And another: "QLDC policies are seemingly consistent in driving away business".

And yet another: "The council are making it increasingly difficult for CBD businesses. Parking is now $6 per hour and difficult to get, people do not want to come to the CBD. It's all too hard and expensive, and business confidence is extremely low".

Meanwhile, Darrell Jenkins of Hospitality New Zealand struggled to limit the significant concerns of the businesses she represents to her three minute speaking slot, and the mayor made a point of moving her on.

Ms Jenkins urged the council to rethink its new outdoor dining policy and accompanying fee hikes she claimed were insufficiently consulted on.

"At no point was a fee schedule shared with the public," she said.

"Businesses didn't have a clear idea to what extent fees would increase and therefore couldn't endorse or object with full knowledge of what they were endorsing or objecting to."

Ms Jenkins referenced one central business, now forced to pay $600 per square metre for an outdoor dining area "in smelling distance of a food vendor riding their coat-tail".

QLDC's new outdoor dining policy and fees came under fire at Thursday's council meeting in Arrowtown.

She argued the costs associated with outdoor dining have climbed so high they would be prohibitive for some, and the district stands to lose if businesses pull the plug.

"Not only does al fresco dining lift the vibrancy of a town centre, it also builds and promotes a safer environment with extra lighting, extra late night activity, and extra people around enjoying the outdoors."

The council's new rules also outlaw branded sun umbrellas, and Ms Jenkins said that will have "financial repercussions" for her members that will be forced to default on agreements already made with sponsors.

Meanwhile Nicky Busst of the Arrowtown Promotion and Business Association also slammed the policy and associated fee changes during the public forum.

She said outdoor dining helped create a "vibe" in a town.

"Whilst I appreciate it is not on the agenda specifically, considering the number and weight of issues brought up here today, over the last few weeks, and in the media and by the businesses, as well as the financial difficulties that our businesses continue to face, the APBA urges the council to go back to drawing board on this and take another look at the proposed changes and where possible adjustments can be made to continue to support our businesses and maintain the vibrancy and safety of downtown Arrowtown."

There was at least one win for business at Thursday's meeting, once the public forum concluded and the mayor and councillors moved on to tackle items on a lengthy agenda.

With several options on the table, a majority voted for a design for the flagged Stanley Street car park that will deliver a maximum number of parking spaces - 116 - to the Queenstown CBD site.

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Main image: A full house for a full meeting of the Queenstown Lakes District Council held for the first time in Arrowtown, Thursday, October 24, 2024.