Building a watersports facility on the Lake Wanaka foreshore would be like "building a McDonald's on the top'' of Wanaka's Mount Iron, an opponent of the proposal says.
Paul Molloy, of Wanaka, was one of about 10 people who presented submissions in opposition to the Wanaka Watersports Facility Trust's proposal on the second day of a three-day resource consent hearing in Wanaka yesterday.
Mr Molloy said the construction of any building in the immediate foreshore area would amount to "environmental vandalism''.
Wanaka motelier Brett Simpson received nods of support from many attending the hearing when he told commissioners Robert Nixon and David Clarke he was "incensed'' by the proposal.
Numerous lakefronts with great views had been vandalised by poor planning, mainly with structures built to the needs of the wealthy, he said.
"It [the lake shore] has been set aside for the use of the development of past, present and future generations.
"No-one, not you, you, or you, has the right or the privilege to take that away from us.''
The inevitable adverse effect of the building on the outstanding natural landscape, the possibility for a precedent to be set and the number of submissions made against the proposal were points raised by almost all who spoke in opposition yesterday.
Wanaka-Hawea Reserves Trust chairman Alan Cutler said the fact the proposal had proceeded to the hearing stage showed a disregard by authorities for the high level of angst the proposal had generated.
The rowing club may have to settle for a less-than-ideal site, he said.
"We say welcome to the real world.
"Other rowing clubs have less-than-ideal training areas ... but they work.''
Jane Forsyth, of Wanaka, said the commissioners could not disregard the number of submissions filed in opposition to the proposal, despite being encouraged to do so by lawyer for the applicant Graeme Todd.
The site was the "jewel in Wanaka's crown'' and should not be set aside for the benefit of a minority, she said.
Proponents of the proposal also spoke yesterday.
Wanaka Rowing Club member Colin Mantell said the club should be encouraged to use the lake.
"It saddens me that we live in a society that makes it 100 times easier to get an alcohol licence than to try to get a facility that encourages healthy activity.''
Submitter Quentin Smith said he could see that both those for and against the proposal valued the lake.
"One side of the debate get their enjoyment from using the lake and being active with the environment.
"The other side is hands-off and naturalist.''
Mr Smith said he supported the proposal.
The hearing will continue today.
