The comment was made as the panel considered a resource consent application from Clutha River Cruises to expand its cruise and charter business on the Clutha River and Lake Roxburgh.
The company, owned by Steve Toyer, of Alexandra, wants to operate up to three boats.
Three submissions were received, all in support of the proposal.
One was from Contact Energy and the others were from Alan and Shaun McLellan, of Alexandra, who said it was a worthwhile initiative that should be encouraged.
Alan McLellan., who said he was representing Alexandra businesspeople, said times were tough.
"Survival, rather than profit, is now the aim in many small businesses."
That was one of the reasons why the council should support the application, he said.
The group had been formed with the encouragement of Central Otago mayor-elect Tony Lepper for businesspeople to make their views known to the district council.
"Support for Clutha River Cruises Ltd, by the group, is the first step in that communication," Mr McLellan said.
The company launched its new boat Mata-Au, which is licensed to carry up to 32 adults and two crew, at Alexandra on Friday.
Hearings panel members, who heard the consent application on Tuesday, have all been re-elected unopposed to the council for another term.
As the new council was "in limbo" before the election result had officially been declared and members had yet to be sworn in, the panel members were operating as commissioners to hear the matter, chairman John Lane said.
Contact Energy environmental adviser, Daniel Druce, asked the council to note Lake Roxburgh was subject to changes in flow and water levels, and the Roxburgh Dam boat ramp, used by Clutha River Cruises, could occasionally be closed for maintenance, because of high water levels or when sediment was being flushed from the lake.
The boat ramp was available to the public and could be busy throughout the summer months, Mr Druce said.
The council's planning consultant David Whitney has recommended consent be granted, subject to 17 conditions, as any adverse effects would be minor.
"We also consider that the proposal will have significant positive effects. Expansion of the existing cruise and charter business will enable more visitors and local people to visit points of interest at Lake Roxburgh-Ka Moana Haehae, creating economic benefits for the local community," Mr Whitney said.
The panel has reserved its decision.
