Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) will be asked to consider granting a new lease to Coastguard Wanaka Lakes (CWL) over a portion of Eely Point Recreation Reserve.

If approved, the new lease will allow CWL to undertake construction and operation of a Marine Rescue Centre on a specified part of the Recreation Reserve, associated activities including boat storage, and provision of space for the Harbourmaster’s operations.

Following public notification of the intention to grant this lease, QLDC experienced a high level of local interest during the submission period held in December 2018.

Submissions received generally supported the Coastguard and their invaluable public service in the community, while opposition expressed on the proposed lease related to a desire for the Coastguard Wanaka Lakes building and activity to not take place within the Eely Point Reserve.

The lease area requested at Eely Point allows for an operational base to provide quick access for member parking, boat retrieval, and launching into Lake Wānaka during emergencies. Currently, CWL’s boat is stored in a building on the A&P Showgrounds, on an informal basis.

Council will vote at its Full Council Meeting to be held on Thursday 18 April.

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