Late last year, the fence at the penguin underpass and fencing attached to a gate at the base of the breakwater at the edge of Tourism Waitaki’s Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony drew criticism on social media.
Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher became involved when he wrote on his mayoral Facebook page "It has to go!"
Mr Kircher this week confirmed council officers had investigated extending the fence, which runs parallel to the Oamaru Harbour slipway, which was also being considered for an upgrade.
He said the argument for the proposed fence extension was made for health and safety reasons for the public who might want to enter the non-commercial slipway, and there were also environmental concerns.
There was no collection drain to stop run-off of chemicals such as paint or antifouling paints from people working on their vessels.
"There’s no drain to stop it from potentially going in the sea."
He said the proposed fence would extend from the longest red penguin fence out to the wire mesh gate and wall of the old commercial wharf, just off Waterfront Rd.
Mr Kircher said the proposed fence would still allow boat users to access the slipway and be made from a material such as mesh so as not to obscure the view.
A decision on the proposed fence would be made when council staff returned from holiday.
