Dobson, Godley, Hopkins and Macaulay rivers Navigation Safety bylaws to be amended

Environment Canterbury has this week publicly notified its intention to amend its Navigation Safety Bylaws for the Dobson, Godley, Hopkins and Macaulay rivers in the Upper Waitaki Valley. It is inviting submissions from the public on the proposed changes.

Under the proposed amendments, power boats will be restricted to five knots from May 1 to December 24 each year. This is to offer some protection for endangered nesting birds and people using the river and surrounds during this time. From Christmas Day to the end of April, the speed limit is extended beyond five knots, the current status quo.

The broader background and reasons for the changes can be read on pages 13-17 of the Council agenda (pdf 1.28 MB).

The two key parties whose submissions to last year’s navigation safety bylaw review triggered these proposals, the Department of Conservation and Jet Boating NZ, have now reached agreement on the proposal as set out.

Commissioners Donald Couch and Rex Williams will form the hearings panel for the proposed amendment to the 2010 bylaws, with Commissioner Couch as chair.

Copies of the ‘Statement of Proposal’ which includes the draft bylaws are available at Environment Canterbury’s offices at 75 Church Street, Timaru and 73 Beach Road, Kaikoura. A copy can also be mailed by contacting Customer Services, Environment Canterbury, PO Box 345, Christchurch, 03 353 9007 or toll-free on 0800 EC INFO (0800 324 636).

The documents may also be downloaded from www.ecan.govt.nz/navbylaw

Submissions must be received in writing, faxed, mailed or emailed by 5.00pm on Tuesday November 1, 2011.