Frankton Golf Course under threat from Airport Taxiway project
According to latest reports, the five holes on Frankton Golf Course are in jeopardy with the airport corporation’s latest announcement, since the course is built on a land owned by the Queenstown Airport Corporation. News tell that the corporation has decided
to build an airport taxiway between years 2012 to the 2015. The taxiway is an $ 8 million project.
According to the Queenstown’s Chief Executive Michael Shattock, the idea of the airport acquiring the land between 2012 and 2015 was never mentioned at the meeting with the council. Shattock says that although they knew the land was with the airport, what
surprised them was that the news reached them through a third party.
The Chief Executive further said that if the airport is extended further, then the master plan of the Events centre would be under threat. Shattock says that the news not being disclosed let alone discussed is rather amusing since the previous meeting only
included the debate over whether the retention of golf or other sporting on the golf course.
The Frankton Golf course located in Queenstown is situated at the Frankton village. This is a 9 hole course which is an ideal place for beginners to play golf. If golfers are looking for a place to sharpen up their short game, then the golf club has a practice
putting and chipping green for them. The PGA professional, Jamie McIsaac who is also a resident of the Queenstown, is present at the club to provide lessons to the players. For junior players coaching is given on Saturdays.
The committee week held last week included the Queenstown Lake District Council Finance and Corporate Accountability Committee (QLDC) as well the Corporation’s Chief Executive Steve Sanderson. It is reported that Steve Sanderson announced his proposal at
the meeting in return to a councillor questioning him.
The land also used by the Lakes Leisure is basically given out on lease to the council. The lease on the course will be ending in 2012. The Frankton golf course is 80 years old, and the council is trying its best to save it.
However, the airport corporation has full authority to go ahead with the project. Reason being that Frankfort course is currently under the airport’s designation.
Recent report tells that the Corporation’s Chief Executive will meet with the Council’s Chief Executive next week Debra Lawson to discuss the Frankton Golf Club future.
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