The Queenstown Lakes District Council this week gazetted new bylaws governing the use of motorised craft, with the controversial Hunter River speed restriction the only matter left unresolved from the recent bylaws review.
QLDC regulatory and corporate general manager Roger Taylor said yesterday a hearings panel would visit the Hunter River as soon as conditions permitted, to be followed by a hearing next year.
"At the moment, it is status quo, which means the [five-knot speed] restriction remains," Mr Taylor said.
Access to the Hunter River has been a hotly debated topic among anglers, boat users and other recreationalists for many years.
Some want the speed restriction lifted so motorised craft can enter the river for six months every year; others want to keep boats out and preserve the river for quiet enjoyment.
The new bylaw came into effect yesterday and is on the council website.
It addresses a range of safety issues, introduces permits for boaties wishing to travel the restricted zone on the Shotover River and imposes instant fines ranging from $300 and $500.
Mr Taylor described the bylaws as a "gift to the community worth having", following the worst accident record on QLDC waterways last summer.
There will be two full-time harbourmasters and 12 voluntary wardens patrolling the waterways this summer.
