The Environment Court continued to focus on amenity issues yesterday during the second day of the Southern Alps Air commercial jet-boating resource consent application rehearing in Wanaka.
In an earlier hearing in 2005, the court did not weigh all the relevant factors, including issues such as noise and visual issues, in deciding to decline the consent, because it took the view there were two legal principles preventing it from granting a consent.
Those legal matters have now been dealt with by the High Court and Court of Appeal during an appeals process.
The original court has now returned to the issues it did not completely consider and will decide if the application has merit.
The first amenity witness, Robert Greenaway, was called by the Queenstown Lakes District Council on Monday and cross-examined by lawyers for Southern Alps Air and existing consent holder Wilkin River Jets, which opposes the consent.
Yesterday, Dr Andrew Wells for Wilkin River Jet began his evidence on amenity and recreational issues, and was to be followed by Southern Alps Air's expert witness, David Bamford.
The court will also return to the issue of safety during the hearing, following the High Court's suggestion it adopt a two-stage process to alleviate problems caused when Wilkin River Jet refused to provide Southern Alps Air with a copy of its safe operations plan.
The court has asked for a "reminder" of evidence presented on safety issues at the previous hearing.
Southern Alps Air's lawyer, Jo Appleyard of Christchurch, submitted in her opening address the proposal would have temporary noise and visual effects, but the 10 jet-boat trips sought by Southern Alps Air would not create effects that were more than minor, due to expectations of visitors to the Makarora area.
Ms Appleyard also contended the "worst case scenario" of 26 jet-boat trips a day on the river by two operators, or a 62% increase in use, would not have more than minor effects, as per the evidence of Mr Bamford and Mr Greenaway.
She noted Dr Wells held an opposing view.
Recreational jet-boaters had unlimited access to the lower Wilkin River, and there was additional noise from aviation activities, Ms Appleyard said.
"It is submitted that the addition of 10 trips per day to a river that currently allows a commercial operation of 16 trips a day and does not limit private jet-boat use of the river is not a significant increase over any current adverse effects," Ms Appleyard said.
The hearing continues today.
The Southern Alps Air application
What: 10 return jet-boat trips a day
Where: Lake Wanaka, Makarora River, Wilkin River
Boats: Two
Primary launch site: West Makarora
Wilkin River Jet's existing consent
What: 16 return jet-boat trips a day
Where: Lake Wanaka, Makarora River, Wilkin River
Boats: Two
Primary launch site: West Makarora
