QLDC manager silences Frankton golf club fire questions

A fire that has closed the QLDC's Frankton golf club shop and driving range is being investigated by FENZ - but senior council manager Simon Battrick has prevented the facility operators from answering any questions about the fire.

The fire last night destroyed much of the Frankton Golf Shop and offices .... closing both the shop and the driving range today.

The NZ Herald has reported that renovations at the building had been underway at the time of the fire, and FENZ fire investigators were on site this morning.

Mr Battrick intervened as Crux was speaking with the Frankton managers at the fire site this morning.

Mr Battrick is interviewed by FENZ fire investigators at the Frankton site this morning (December 14)

He has been the QLDC's Sport & Recreation Manager since 2016 and is pushing for the construction of a third swimming pool in Queenstown and a $42 million Events Centre expansion (for four indoor courts) at a time when the Government and ratepayers are calling for reduced spending and reduced rates - along with a back to basics approach.

Mr Battrick became a controversial character in denying Crux documented research into the toxic house at 516 Ladies Mile. Mr Battrick wants to turn the site into a $25 million sports field. That proposal is on hold while elected councillors investigate the site as a possible council HQ.