Currently, the existing 2014 Navigational Safety Bylaw allows unrestricted speeds from the Albert Town bridge to the 5 knot buoy just downstream from the Outlet Campground (just above Dean’s Bank) from 10:00am – 6:00pm in Summer and 10:00am – 4:00pm in winter. There is a 5 knot limit in the Albert Town Island Swimming hole.
The 2017 Navigational Safety Bylaw extends the unrestricted speed limit all the way to the Outlet campground. i.e. unrestricted speed limit from Albert Town Bridge to Lake Wanaka in Summer from 10:00am – 6:00pm and 10:00am – 4:00pm in Winter. The Albert Town Swimming hole is unchanged.
The bylaw is about safety, not noise or the environment, that is covered by the district plan.
What does our community want? Does the 2017 Navigational Safety Bylaw keep everyone safe who uses the river? Does it take into account our population and tourist growth?
The discussion is not merely about the incremental change to the bylaw. The entire safety bylaw including how it applies from Albert Town to Lake Wanaka is up for review.
If you are concerned about safety on the Clutha, be sure to submit to QLDC and give solutions. Above are two options, others include motor-craft free, 5 knot limit at all times, restrict motorised craft by certain months/days, or changing the unrestricted speed hours.
File submissions here: http://www.qldc.govt.nz/…/your-vie…/navigation-safety-bylaw/