Coastguard Wanaka Lakes’ plan to relocate its base to Eely Point another step closer towards becoming a reality.
This week, the volunteer marine search and rescue unit lodged an application with the Queenstown Lakes District Council for resource consent to construct a building at the southeast end of Eely Point recreation reserve, near the Scout den.
It would house the Coastguard Wanaka Lakes rescue boat and gear, and include space for a boat and gear storage intended to be used by the Queenstown Lakes District Council harbourmaster.
It would also include an operational and training room for coastguard and harbourmaster operations as well as shared ablution and kitchen facilities.
In support of the application, Coastguard Wanaka Lakes president Jonathan Walmisley said Lake Wanaka was very busy over the summer as recreational boats were launched in Roys Bay and Glendhu Bay and the number of boats was expected to grow.
At present, the Wanaka coastguard is based at the A&P Showgrounds, equipment is stored at volunteers’ homes and deployment times can be over an hour due to volunteers having to cross town to get to the vessel and get the vessel back across town to launch at the marina.
"It is evident that a site on the east side of the lake will significantly reduce the deployment time and hence increase the chance of survivability of a person in the water," Mr Walmisley said.
The building is proposed to be a single-gable form with a lean-to on the northern side.
The unit has approval from the Wanaka Community Board and the council for the building, landscaping and a lease of part of the reserve for the building.
The council has agreed to grant a 33-year ground lease to enable the construction and operation of the Marine Rescue Centre building.
