Mt Cook Planners To Consult S.I.P.A.

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32035, 9 July 1969, Page 28

Mt Cook Planners To Consult S.I.P.A.

(From Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, July 8. The committee planning for tourist development on the Glencoe Fan at Mount Cook hoped to meet South Island Publicity Association officials soon to discuss the scheme, Mr R. L. G. Talbot, member of Parliament for Ashburton, said today.

The committee had been considering the suggestions made by 5.1.P.A., and had already done preliminary work in the area, Mr Talbot said.

“With a view to clarifying the misconception held by some individuals and organisations regarding planning at Mount Cook, Mr A. D. Dick, M.P. for Waitaki, and I had discussions last week with the Minister of Lands (Mr Maclntyre), Mr Talbot said. “Planning of the area available for tourist development in the Mount Cook National Park on the Glencoe Fan is going ahead as scheduled by the special committee on Mt

Cook under the chairmanship of Mr E. J. Lynskey, of the Lands Department. This work is being undertaken without delay and is proceeding as a priority matter. “It is intended to have the major part of the planning work completed by the end of the year,” Mr Talbot said.

“While I was in the Mount Cook area recently I was informed that the planning team has recently been engaged in preliminary work in the area and has been working on a plan which has taken into consideration many of the ideas put forward last y ear by the South Island Publicity Association. “The committee is now arranging to hold a meeting with S.I.P.A. in the near future to consider their comments on the proposals. “The Minister has stressed to me that the department’s committee on Mount Cook intends to co-operate fully with S.I.P.A. and its experts, as it has done in the past. The contribution and advice can have an important influence on the planning of the area,” said Mr Talbot. “As member of Parliament for the Mount Cook area I hope that this co-operation between the department and S.I.P.A. will be strengthened in the coming months so that the best results can be

achieved. This is most essential at this stage if the Mount Cook tourist area is to be fully developed. When the plan is completed and approved late this year the Tourist Hotel Corporation and private enterprise will be able to play their full part in developing the tourist potential of the area.

“Although the number of beds at Mount Cook has increased in the last two years there will be a need for still more accommodation in the next few years. Such projects as the cableway to the Annette Plateau, proposals for which are well advanced, and the proposed direct air service from Rotorua to Mount Cook will, I believe, create a terrific demand for additional accommodation. The timing of the present planning of the area should fit in well with all these proposals,” Mr Talbot said.