Navigation rule changes proposed, feedback sought

Environment Canterbury is considering several changes to the region's navigation safety bylaws. These apply to all inland lakes and rivers where people operate boats, dinghies or jet-skis, and a number of coastal areas. The region runs from north of Kaikoura to the Waitaki catchment in the south and across to the main divide.

The key changes being considered include:

* Uplifting the speed limits on the stretch of the Waimakariri River one kilometre upstream of the Kaiapoi River confluence. At present vessels are restricted to five knots.

* Adjusting the water skiing close off time on Lake Middleton, Mid Canterbury, by one hour to allow for daylight saving.

* Uplifting the speed limits for Northbrook Waters (a man-made lake near a subdivision) in Rangiora. This will allow water-skiing to occur lawfully on the lake without having to seek special permission each time.

* Allowing people to use small electric motors at slow speeds in areas where powered craft are normally not allowed. This would include outboard motors powered by up to 24 volt batteries trolling at speeds of less than five knots.

* New provisions to fit in with the proposed changes to swing mooring provisions in the Canterbury Regional Coastal Environment Plan.

* A proposed annual charge of $100 plus gst for the administration of swing moorings. This would help cover costs of administering the registration system, vetting mooring details, supervision, some inspection and dealing with disputes.

The existing bylaws and the measures being considered can be viewed on ECan's website www.ecan.govt.nz under "Plans and Reports/Coast" or

ENDS

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