A new group has been formed to oppose Christchurch International Airport’s (CIAL) plans to develop an international airport at Tarras.

The group has developed a website, Stop Central Otago Airport (SCOA), and spokesperson Zella Downing is encouraging people to read it and add their names to the cause if they share the group’s concerns.

“We have got confirmed support from people with expertise and time and resources, and like us they are intent on stopping this airport,” she says.

“I have no doubt with the community behind us, we’ll be able to stop this in its tracks.”

CIAL revealed plans in July 2020 to develop a jet-capable airport on 750ha of land at Tarras, after the company had spent $45M purchasing land bordered by State Highway 8 and 8A.

CIAL chief executive Malcolm Johns says the plan was to start with a 2.2 kilometre, jet capable runway.

The project team is currently analysing modelling options around runway length, alignment and approach and departure paths.

CIAL plans to start with a 2.2 kilometre, jet capable runway on rural land at Tarras. PHOTO: Wanaka App.

Zella says SCOA includes concerned residents and ratepayers from the Central Otago District, Queenstown Lakes District, and people elsewhere in the country including Christchurch.

“We’re a grassroots community organisation, not funded by anyone,” she says.

Setting up the website was the first step, and the group intends to gauge interest before deciding on its next steps, she says.

The website notes concerns about overtourism, ecological damage, the climate crisis and the folly of facilitating further air travel.

“Putting an international airport in Tarras is huge,” Zella says.

“The construction of a new airport involves a huge amount of embodied carbon. The Tarras Airport build will have a monumental carbon footprint.”

Wanaka Stakeholders Group (WSG) deputy chair Mark Sinclair says WSG - which is opposed to the development of Wanaka Airport as a jet-capable airport - is not affiliated to SCOA, as it remains “focused on Wanaka”.

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