Mayor fears fee a deterrent

MAIKE VAN DER HEIDE

Tourist operators have welcomed a proposed landowners' charge for those walking or cycling on the Queen Charlotte Track, but Marlborough mayor Alistair Sowman is concerned the fee will be too much for some people.

Mr Sowman was pleased the track's future had been secured, particularly after last year a landowner closed a 1.5-kilometre section of the track to do animal control during the peak tourist season.

"That closure was unacceptable," Mr Sowman said.

He hoped the proposed fee would not impact on numbers using the track.

But Marlborough Sounds Adventure Company owner Sara Archdale said she had no issue with the need to compensate landowners for access to their land, calling the proposal "reasonable and fair".

She said it was now a case of working out the finer details.

Track numbers would not drop, as long as the fee was not excessive and the process was easy.

Ms Archdale said it was a relief to know the track's future was secure.

"We've known for a long time that the operation has been based on goodwill, and that is not a sustainable situation to be in."

Cougar Lines owner Jill Evans said she was happy with most of what she heard.

"We will still need some refinement. It's just a matter of getting it, so everybody's happy," she said.

Queen Charlotte Track Incorporated (QCT Inc) is a marketing organisation for the Queen Charlotte Track, with a membership of more than 60 businesses which use the track. The group's chairwoman, Juliet Gibbons, said negotiation between all stakeholders associated with the track had been ongoing for years and its members were open to the fee proposal, but would request some changes.

Destination Marlborough general manager Tracy Johnston said there was an "atmosphere of co-operation" between all the parties.

If the fee was implemented well, it was unlikely to negatively affect visitor numbers, because international visitors, in particular, were used to paying for things, she said.

The landowners' involvement with the track gave the walkway a unique story, which would add depth to the experience for visitors.

The owner of Craglee Lodge in the Bay of Many Coves, Steve George, said it was positive all parties were working together,

"The sustainability of the track is the most important thing. It's an asset to New Zealand. It's a step forward and there will be an outcome that will be great for all."

He expected people would see value in the track fee if they knew it was for the sustainability and betterment of the track.

Endeavour Express co-owner Sheryl McGlashan said the proposal was good, but after yesterday's meeting, there were suggestions that landowners go back and "do some tweaking" of minor details to make the plan viable.

She said the fee would work better than the current voluntary $5 track tribute that some visitors simply chose not to pay.

- The Marlborough Express