Some key outcomes in the wake of the June 22 snow event in the Wakatipu Basin have now been implemented, Queenstown Lakes District Council roading manager Ian Marshall said.

"After the June event we held a debrief with the key stakeholders," Mr Marshall said.

Whilst all agencies had immediately jumped into action on the day, the key was co-ordination, he said.

"We now have an agency-wide agreement that in future events, the situation will be managed from a Works Infrastructure base, Works being the critical roading contractor," Mr Marshall said.

Liaison would be established immediately with police, QLDC, other contractors, Transit NZ, the Central Otago District Council and radio media.

"Priority routes will be established, to ensure these remain passable, in particular we need to give top priority to roads enabling emergency services to have safe passage," Mr Marshall said.

In future, as in the past, regular updates and road closures would be broadcast on local radio stations and would be able to be obtained from council's customer services officers.

"In future this will be co-ordinated from one source. Information will be centralised and operations prioritised," Mr Marshall said.

Other council specific planning outcomes identified as key had been: the establishment of strategic fuel reserves; the requirement to establish a remote access phone system and compatible radio communications.

"The June snowfall was also a valuable exercise from a Civil Defence perspective, that raised several issues around preparedness for the council," QLDC emergency management officer Brenden Winder said.

It also should act as a reminder to Wakatipu residents that the need for self reliance could occur quickly and without prior warning.

"The council has taken steps to be prepared but we are reliant on the community to do the same. Ensuring that at any given time you have emergency supplies and drinking water for a minimum of three days in your household should be mandatory," Mr Winder said.

The storm also highlighted the value of snow chains.

"The main problem was caused by people without chains. I think if Wakatipu residents are not prepared to invest in a set of chains then they need to be prepared to avoid placing their vehicles on the road and themselves and others at risk," Mr Marshall said.

ENDS

For more information please contact Ian Marshall or Brenden Winder 03 441 0499.

By: Tamah