Queenstown Lakes District Council last week adopted a recommendation for a working party to manage the establishment of the Frankton marina reserve.
A committee of three councillors and three community representatives will be formed to administer the setting up of the reserve.
The working party will also consult potential users and the community.
A development company will be appointed.
Queenstown Marina Developments Ltd was removed from this job in August.
The developer had been ultimately unable to meet the memorandum's conditions, the council said.
This was despite considerable investment and the council extending the deadline several times.
After the company was removed, the council decided to start from scratch.
It sought a new development company.
Alan Kirker, of Lakes Marina Projects Ltd, and his business partners, both based in the United States, have expressed interest in establishing an inshore marina of 130 berths.
A new shortlist of companies was outlined in last week's recommendation.
The working party will provide regular reports to the council.
A budget has not been allocated for the project.
The marina reserve will be used for boat launches, trailer parking, boat berths, fuel supply and commercial marine activities.
If demand exceeds capacity, a second site at Kelvin Grove is proposed.
