The Queenstown Lakes District Council is unable to comment on
the costs associated with the ongoing arbitration process
regarding Lakes Leisure's fast hydroslide.
Last week, the Otago Daily Times reported the
hydroslide had been out of action for 25 months, with the
arbitration process likely to continue for several more
months.
Alpine Aqualand, an $18 million complex, opened at Frankton
in May 2008.
Naylor Love was given the contract to construct Alpine
Aqualand, with a subcontractor, Timaru manufacturer
Aeromarine Industries Ltd, responsible for the design,
building and safe operation of the hydroslides.
Within six months of the fast hydroslide opening, 69 patrons
had reported minor injuries.
At the time, then Lakes Leisure aquatics general manager Cam
Sheppard said 51 of the incidents were caused by slide users
breaking safety rules - for example, standing up in the
slide.
However, after a woman suffered a concussion and shoulder
injury while using the slide, Lakes Leisure agreed to close
it.
The Department of Labour investigated a complaint laid by the
woman, but decided in November 2009 not to prosecute.
Last week, the ODT asked the council to provide
information relating to the revenue lost by Lakes Leisure
over the period the fast hydroslide has been closed; and the
amount of money spent to date on legal fees over the
arbitration.
On Friday, council communications manager Meaghan Miller said
the council had taken legal advice before responding to the
questions and was unable to comment.
The ODT is pursuing further avenues to obtain answers.
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