I was very encouraged by the animated and enthusiastic conversations held at the Destination West Coast forum last week in Queenstown.

I was very motivated by the guest speaker Graham Budd, CEO of Destination Queenstown, New Zealand.  Listening to the experiences of ‘the other Queenstown’ and its surrounding communities and the various ways in which they manage their tourism industry was inspiring.  I’m keen to see the discussions continue and more collaboration between local operators occur which will see some positive outcomes achieved for the West Coast tourism industry. 

A reminder also that the RACT West Coast Experience Loan fund, supporting tourism businesses by providing start-up, interest free loans, is currently accepting applications.   More information is available on the RACT website.

Council has its monthly meeting tonight in Queenstown, on the agenda will be the 2017-2018 rates resolution and fees and charges for Councillors to consider for adoption.  After a lot of work and many budget scenarios presented by Council staff, we will be considering a recommendation to adopt a 1% general rate rise.  West Coast ratepayers are also subject in 2017-2018 to Adjustment Factors on their properties which are determined by the state government.  Information about this process is available from DPIPWE and Council will also include details in the brochure to be enclosed with each rates notice.

By all accounts the West Coast Volunteers Event held last week was a success with almost sixty local volunteers attending.  As I was interstate, thank you to Councillor Leigh Styles for making the welcoming address and presenting attendees with certificates of recognition.  Given the high rate of volunteering we have on the West Coast, across a broad range of services and activities, Council will be looking to host events annually as part of National Volunteers Week.

Phil Vickers

MAYOR