ORC and CODC support regional deal with QLDC

The Central Otago District Council has somewhat reluctantly agreed to be part of the regional deal partnership with the QLDC and Otago Regional Council.

Following a stormy meeting in Queenstown yesterday by QLDC, where governance of the government/council relationship was the issue, CODC councillors today struggled to see what was in it for them.

In fact the Alexandra meeting debate centred on what was not in it for them with agriculture and water infrastructure two big items. "Queenstown centric" was a phrase used a lot.

The CODC though did identify future mining royalties as providing some leverage for the Central Otago residents, as well as the concept of "having a foot in the door" as Deputy Mayor Neil Gillespie put it.

Councillors also expressed some governance concerns that echoed the thoughts of some QLDC councillors yesterday.

During the course of the CODC meeting it was also announced that news had come through from Dunedin of the Otago Regional Council agreeing to belong to the partnership.

It was clear that the CODC was focussed on fighting their corner "from inside the tent" if the Government selected the QLDC/CODC/ORC deal as one of the packages to be progressed.

There's no extra Government funding on offer as part of the regional deals concept.

This afternoon the ORC  issued the following media release:

"Earlier today ORC Councillors voted their support for the Regional Deal proposal – which was prepared in partnership with QLDC and CODC, says ORC Chair Gretchen Robertson.

“The proposal focusses on sustainable economic growth in the region and details the opportunities for improved public transport and increased water and energy resilience to support the communities of Queenstown Lakes and for Central Otago,” Cr Robertson says.

She says the partnership approach is “key” as the Regional Deals are about working together.

“Central government, councils, private investors, and communities will be able find smarter ways of achieving shared goals. This isn't just about funding; it's about breaking down barriers, leveraging investment, and aligning our plans with future needs,” she says.

She highlighted that establishing long term resilience within future projects was important and that water and energy especially would assist in strengthening a productive, resilient economic and environmental outlooks.

“This is a chance to plan strategically for 'Otago Central Lakes' unlocking growth, improving infrastructure and housing, and protecting valued natural resources, all without seeking new funding,” she says.

She says ORC has a “unique role”, being responsible for environmental regulation, hazard management and public transport.

“Our job is to look at the bigger picture, how our region functions as a whole and how we can shape its future.”

She emphasised today’s vote of support was a “starting point”, and not a “final deal”.

If the three-way proposal is approved, the tri-partnership will move to the next stage where there will be detailed investigations, governance arrangements, and a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government.

“This is our chance to get ahead of the game and ensure 'Otago Central Lakes' is positioned for long-term success.”

 Cr Robertson says the proposal will now be submitted to the Department of Internal Affairs shortly, and ORC is “looking forward to a positive response”.