Banning power boats proposed on first 3km of Clutha; higher speed limit on hold

THE Queenstown Lakes District Council is considering a ban on all powered craft on a short but significant 3km section of the Clutha River upstream of the Albert Town bridge to the Outlet camping ground.

Deputy mayor Calum Mac Leod said strong opposition from the community against a proposed speed limit increase on the Clutha’s first 3km prompted the council to consider a ban.

Last month, Mr MacLeod chaired a hearings panel that received submissions on a proposal to allow boats to travel at a higher speed through the section.

Of the submissions, 285 were for the proposal and 278 were against.

The majority of those opposed to the change were concerned the higher speeds would endanger passive recreational users in an area noted for being popular for swimming, floating, kayaking and fishing.

Mr MacLeod noted it would be a substantive change and therefore the council had decided the proposed recommendation required further policy consideration.

He said council staff would examine the recommendation and report back to the council for its consideration as an amendment to the statement of proposal. If adopted, the change would need to go out to public consultation again and would undergo a further submission process.

‘‘While I understand this may be disappointing to some, it is vital that council arrives at a robust decision to enable us to confirm the process in order to allow this decision to be tested fully and for [the] council’s position to be defendable,’’ Mr MacLeod said.

Council staff will report back early next year.