Media Statement: From Ross Copland, CEO, Southern Infrastructure Limited

“Today’s decision by Queenstown Lakes District Council is a positive step forward for the Queenstown Cable Car project and, importantly, for addressing the growing road congestion that is putting increasing pressure on Queenstown’s transport network.

It has been a long journey to get to this point and significant work remains.Council’s agreement in principle to the proposed use of reserve land provides a pathway for the project to move into its next stage of assessment.

Our immediate focus is on progressing the detailed design, completing the assessment of effects and addressing the additional matters raised today. We look forward to working constructively with Council staff and councillors throughout this process.

Council will have a further opportunity to consider the project early next year, when we return with an updated proposal addressing those matters.

We thank the Mayor, Councillors and Council staff for their consideration of the proposal and for enabling this next stage of work.

We believe the Queenstown Cable Car can play an important role within a broader integrated transport network, helping to address the district’s long-term transport challenges.”

ENDS.