Council commits funds to retain Waipa Delta

Hamilton City Council last night voted in favour of committing up to $300,000 to build a slipway at Horotiu in order to retain the Waipa Delta for the city.

The vote came after consideration of a report which outlined various options available to support the Waipa Delta which is considering a move to Auckland because of difficulties in taking the vessel out of the river for marine surveys.

The Council support is conditional on the owner of the Waipa Delta removing pontoons which have been placed illegally in the river along side Memorial Park. Council also requires the vessel to continue operating in the city for at least another five years.

Last night's commitment by Council would also see a study carried out into the tourism benefits and options of the Waipa Delta and a full investigation into what other infrastructure may be required to further enhance tourism activity on the Waikato River.