Boat owners face higher fees to moor their crafts in the Oamaru Harbour and paying to use ramps at the Waitaki lakes under proposed changes to fees and charges next financial year by the Waitaki District Council.
Except for boat ramps on Lake Benmore at Ohau C and Falstone, operated under a management licence by the Aubrey family, boat owners have launched their boats for free on the Waitaki lakes.
In its draft 2011-12 annual plan, approved yesterday, the council is proposing to charge $5 a day or $60 a season to use the ramps, using the income to improve the boating facilities.
Campers who buy a season ticket at the Waitaki lakes reserves would be exempt.
The same charge was introduced at Falstone and Ohau C for the start of the camping season last year, causing complaints from some boat owners and, in a few cases, refusal to pay.
The council proposes the fees apply to power boats and yachts towed by vehicles, but not to small craft such as kayaks and canoes.
The council is also proposing to increase the mooring fees at the Oamaru Harbour. A berth at Holmes wharf would rise from $760 a year to $960, increasing to $1200 in the 2012-13 financial year.
A harbour mooring would increase from $158 a year to $300. The charges will be included in the council's draft annual plan for public comment.
Submissions will open on March 23 and close on April 29.
The Waimate District Council administers facilities on the north side of Lake Aviemore and is proposing a $5 daily ramp fee, but campers who buy a season ticket to stay at lakes reserves will be exempt.
A ramp fee season ticket is not proposed by the Waimate council. Submission on Waimate's draft plan are now open, and will close on April 6.
