Drivers For Property Growth

Drivers for growth include:

• Growing Permanent Population The latest census figures (2006) show that Queenstown grew almost four times faster than the national rate, with a population jump of 29.2%.
  
  
• Growing Tourism And International Reputation Queenstown has a growing reputation as a premium world-wide travel destination, attracting 1.6 million visitors each year. High-end travellers from around the world have consistently voted it one of their favourite places in the globe. It is well served by major airlines with direct flights from Sydney year-round, and direct flights from Brisbane and Melbourne during the winter ski season.
  
  
• Regional Vibrancy Queenstown and the surrounding area have experienced substantial growth in the number of micro industries such as film, viticulture and education, particularly over the past fifteen years. The region has received unprecedented worldwide exposure through films that showcase the incredible regional landscape (Lord of the Rings, Waterhorse), through vineyards and winemakers that consistently take out top awards around the globe, and through the establishment of internationally-recognised educational facilities such as Queenstown Resort College.
  
  
• Infrastructure And Expansion The local council (QLDC) is providing amenities and facilities to support a growing population and service increasing numbers of visitors. Family facilities include primary and secondary schools (with a new primary school scheduled to open in 2009), a large events/sports centre, two cinemas, games facilities, and an ice-rink. The new Wakatipu Aquatic Centre at Frankton will open in December 2007.
  
  
• Growth In New Businesses The growth in new businesses in Queenstown and the wider Southern Lakes region continues apace. New technology developments have enabled increasing numbers of businesses to establish their base in Queenstown, with opportunities for face-to-face meetings made easier with more flights and reduced airfares.
  
  
• New Developments Underway There is approximately $3 billion of investment in the district either planned or underway, including a $30 million upgrade of Queenstown Airport, a $70 million community centre in central Queenstown, the multi-million dollar Jacks Point residential development, the $2 billion Five Mile township at Frankton Flats, and another major residential, hotel and apartment development at the Kawarau Falls. Two new buildings at the Remarkables Park shopping centre will add 7,000sqm of retail and office space by 2007 to its growing development.