The Waitaki District Council is taking more time to consider all options for future management of its Waitaki lakes campsites after public opposition to private leases.
Last year, the council produced a draft Waitaki Lakes Camping Areas Management Plan which put forward several proposals.
They included long-term contracts or leasing to private providers for up to 21 years the camping areas at Parsons Rock, Boat Harbour, Loch Laird and the Wildlife Reserve as one group, Ohau C and Falstone as the second, and Sailors Cutting on its own.
Almost 59% of 158 public submissions on the plan were opposed private management.
Most wanted the status quo, with the council continuing to manage them, but making changes to reduce ratepayers subsidising campers by between $25,000 and $125,000 a year.
That feedback was being considered by the council after Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher indicated changes could be made to the management proposal.
A final decision on whether camping ground leases would be leased to private providers or continue to be managed by council through contractors was likely to be made on April 1.
Recreation manager Erik van der Spek said the council wanted time to ensure the best decision was made for the Waitaki community and the ratepayers who at present subsidised the camping grounds.
The council would consider whether to place a two-year moratorium on leasing camping grounds to give it time to initiate changes to improve management, or it may decide to adopt the plan with significant changes.
Council staff would then seek expressions of interest from parties. david.bruce@odt.co.nz
