This follows a review of the indicative business case work completed to date (attached), which highlighted there are significant complexity, cost and commercial risks associated with delivery of infrastructure.

Otago Regional Council Chairperson Hilary Calvert says “The report presented to Council showed that developing infrastructure like depot facilities is not an area where the public sector typically performs efficiently, particularly in high value, constrained property markets such as Queenstown. Council considers that private operators are better placed to deliver the necessary infrastructure, drawing on their specialist capability, industry experience and commercial flexibility.”

As a result, Council has decided to step back from progressing a Council led depot and will instead leave the provision of charging and depot facilities to the market.

“This approach aligns with Council’s intent to reduce long term financial exposure for ratepayers while ensuring that future public transport contracts remain competitive and that service quality expectations continue to be met.”

Council will continue to provide strong oversight through its public transport planning and procurement processes, ensuring that private sector delivery of depot infrastructure supports the transition to a low emission bus fleet and delivers good outcomes for the Queenstown community.