More land for Wanaka Airport

Wanaka Airport's "land bank" has gained a 59ha top-up in a $1 million deal between Queenstown Lakes District Council and airport neighbour Lloyd Ferguson.

The deal brings the total airport area to about 164ha, up from 81.5ha in 2002.

The council negotiated an option to buy the land from Ferguson's company, Big River, after discussing operating covenants with land owners at his Poplar Beach subdivision.

Airport manager Tim Johnston praised the council for its foresight in protecting the busy airport's viability.

"It is really a land bank thing, a future thing. But we can use some of it immediately and it does protect us against more residential developments," he said.

The deal would free up land on the south side of the airport for needed facilities, such as a passenger terminal and car parking.

Council chief executive Duncan Field said the council was satisfied the purchase would guarantee the future of Wanaka Airport.

It recently acquired an extra 23ha strip of land north of the runway, including 12ha in a land swap with the Alpine Deer Group.

- NZPA