A controversial 1.4km stretch of the dilapidated Glenfinnan Training Works flood protection scheme has been variously described as a safety hazard, an "eyesore'', and "a useless structure'' by jet-boat enthusiasts and tourism operators.
The railway-iron and cable structure was built by the Otago Catchment Board in 1967 to regulate the alignment of the river and reduce river-flat erosion by blocking debris swept downstream during high flooding.
Otago Regional Council environmental engineering and hazards director Dr Gavin Palmer said a recommendation to remove the 1.4km structure on the true-left of the river was passed by regional councillors last month.
A structure on the true-right of the river, which has been planted out to form a strengthened riverbank will remain, he said.
Dr Palmer was unsure of the full costs, or exactly when the 1.4km left-side structure would be removed.
"[Removal] is subject to the obtainment of the necessary consents and also indemnity agreements being agreed upon with the downstream land-owners,'' he said.
Vandalism and old-age had lessened the structure's effectiveness and its current form differed from its intended use, Dr Palmer said.
Removal of the barrier was included in the ORC's draft annual plan for 2008-09, and subject to finding a contractor to carry out works and weather, the structure would be taken down by the end of summer, he said.
The removed railway iron standards would be sold as scrap to help cover the ORC's costs, Dr Palmer said.
Jetboating New Zealand vice-president Jeff Donaldson said the removal of the Glenfinnan works was a positive move.
"We're very happy to see it go, but are mindful any jet-boater will still need to apply to the harbourmaster for permission to travel upstream past the remaining true-right works structure.''
Mr Donaldson said he thought it would be appropriate for the QLDC to uplift the existing bylaw, prohibiting jet-boaters from travelling upriver past the Glenfinnan works, as the bylaw would then be superfluous.
