New rules for Clutha River to kick in from 1 December

clutha river
Date:
Nov 20, 2018

Queenstown Lakes District Council today approved amendments to the Navigation Safety Bylaw 2018, changing the rules for boaties using the Clutha River.

QLDC Regulatory Manager Lee Webster said the bylaw amendments have been the subject of ongoing formal and informal consultation with the community. 

“We received over 650 submissions which demonstrated strong and opposing views.  Although it appears there is no single proposal that will be acceptable to everyone, a large number of submitters recognise that the proposed amendment strikes an appropriate balance to mitigate navigation safety risks without unduly restricting access of powered vessel users to the Clutha River,” Mr Webster said. 

The new rules will come into effect on 1 December 2018 and include the following:

  • No powered vessels to operate on the area of Clutha River from the Lake Wanaka Outlet to Albert Town Bridge between 1 December and 30 April, unless:
    • a current resource consent is held authorising it to operate in the area.
    • it is carrying out a permitted activity under the Queenstown Lakes District Plan (for example emergency search and rescue, hydrological survey, public scientific research, resource management monitoring, water weed control, or access to adjoining land for farming activities)
    • it is being operated by the Harbourmaster or Deputy Harbourmaster for the purposes of exercising his or her functions or ensuring compliance with the Navigation Safety Bylaw.
    • A 5 knot speed limit will apply from the Lake Wanaka Outlet to Albert Town Bridge between 1 May and 30 November, except when there is a speed uplifting between 10.00am – 6.00pm.
    • A permanent speed uplifting all year: between Albert Town Bridge and Red Bridge.

“We’ll be updating the signage and website information and developing further education material to ensure everyone is aware of the changes coming into the busy summer period,” Mr Webster said.

ENDS:

The amended Navigation Safety Bylaw 2018 can be found here:  https://www.qldc.govt.nz//assets/Uploads/Council-Documents/Full-Council-Meetings/2018/20-November-2018/Attachment-B-Amended-Navigation-Safety-Bylaw-post-Hearings-Panel.pdf