The Mayor of Queenstown and CEO of QLDC attempt to silence FOGCZ
The Mayor of Queenstown, Glyn Lewers said no one including FOGCZ is allowed to speak at the public forums ( full council meetings) on matters related to the Fast Track applications. Please read the official reply and position of QLDC.
Better still, watch today’s video on his explanation (Track 6:00-8:38): QLDC Full Council Meeting - Thursday 12 December 2024.
The CEO of QLDC, Mike Theelen, chimed in with some puzzling remarks.
One of his remarks “Theelen says his understanding is council’s role’s confined to providing technical information such as how the rules of its plan work”
Does he imply that the Gibbston Character Zone formulated by QLDC and the recent MOU on the Dark Sky Park signed by QLDC are non-technical details which he presumptuously concluded that the Expert Panel once formed will not ask QLDC? Or QLDC will not advise the Expert Panel voluntarily?
Does he imply the QLDC, the elected voice, will not represent its residents when called by the Expert Panel and just be “technical”?
Read We’re the wrong people to express your concerns to.
We have impactful media coverage on this pressing issue:
Mountain Scene 12 December 2024: Objectors muzzled
Crux.org 11 December 2024: Censorship in the first order
FOGCZ will not be silenced. FOGCZ was at today’s council meeting and “spoke” in silence.
Silenced
FOGCZ members at QLDC council meeting.
It is very clear from QLDC, to be precise, from the Chairperson of QLDC, our elected mayor, that QLDC will not move unless the central govt tells him to do so. This goes against the basic principle of a district council or a mayorship that above all else, you represent your constituency. And even more disturbing, given the fact the Fast Track Rules does not allow FOGCZ to be represented but QLDC does have a say on the Fast Track applications.
Please express your views at FOGCZ Facebook page.
We want to hear from you.
We want QLDC to hear from you.
Please tell your friends. Please support FOGCZ.
