From January 12, the Otago Regional Council is seeking public feedback for the draft navigation safety bylaw.
A council spokesperson said the bylaw regulates the movement of vessels on waterways such as Otago Harbour to improve safety, it also provides rules and regulations such as wearing lifejackets for vessels in harbours or at sea up to 12 nautical miles out from the Otago coast.
The bylaw also governs the same activities on Lake Dunstan and rivers such as the Clutha and Taieri, but not lakes Whakatipu, Wānaka and Hāwea, or rivers surrounding them, as they are governed by the Queenstown Lakes District Council.
Lake Waihola would also be governed by the proposed bylaw the spokesperson said.
Otago Regional councillor Andrew Noone said it was important that people who use our harbours and waterways read all or parts of the 38-page bylaw that interest them and provide feedback.
"We want to hear from them if there’s anything we’ve missed, or if people believe these rules and regulations generally head in the right direction."
Council harbour master Steve Rushbrook, who is responsible for ensuring boaties comply with safety rules said most of the previous 2020 bylaw would remain in the draft with a few new additions.
"Aspects such as the need to always wear lifejackets on the water, for example, will remain unchanged."
Members of the public would have until February 12 to share their views, the draft navigation safety bylaw and a survey would be available on the Otago Regional Council’s website. — Allied Media
