Jet-boat use of four upper Waitaki rivers could be reduced under a draft proposal on which Environment Canterbury wants public feedback.
Environment Canterbury (ECan) is looking at amending the open-speed period on the Dobson, Godley, Hopkins and Macaulay Rivers under its navigation safety bylaws.
At present, jet-boats have no limit on speed between December 1 and April 30, effectively the only time they can use the river. The draft proposal is to reduce that to from December 25 to April 30.
ECan has just publicly advertised the change, asking for submissions from the public, which close at 5pm on November 1.
The change follows a review of the bylaw last year, when the Department of Conservation proposed changes to the speed limits on the four rivers to help protect endangered nesting birds and river users.
That was opposed by the New Zealand Jet-boat Association and ECan decided to carry out a separate review.
The department and association reached an agreement on the change that is now being put out for public consultation.
ECan commissioners Donald Couch and Rex Williams will form the hearings panel for the proposed changes.
Coast and waterways safety manager Evan Walker said that, under the draft, the open speed limit on the rivers would operate from December 25 to April 30. For the rest of the year, there would be a 5-knot speed limit.
That would allow powered craft to use the rivers for a little over four months, compared with the present five.
