The future of the small, dilapidated jetty, near McKay St, is an agenda item on tomorrow's Wanaka Community Board meeting, where members will decide whether to recommend a council-funded upgrade.
In a report to the community board, QLDC commercial manager Myles Lind explained the council had publicly notified its intention to demolish the jetty in 2010, after receipt of an engineer's report.
However, the community made submissions opposing its demolition, because it was popular for fishing and swimming. There were no offers to purchase the jetty from the council, so a ''closed'' sign was placed on the structure. Since then, the council has not allocated funding to bring the jetty up to required standards.
''Following the latest jetty condition report received from the harbourmaster in October 2013, it has become even more apparent that a decision and firm actions are required as the jetty is a health and safety risk,'' Mr Lind wrote.
He estimated demolition of the jetty to cost between $5000 and $15,000, including disposal, while selling it would cost about $5000 for legal fees.
The engineer's report had indicated the piles were structurally sound and only the above-water part of the structure would need to be upgraded, through widening and strengthening.
Mr Lind said the harbourmaster was in favour of retaining the jetty, but funding of $30,000 to $40,000 would be needed.
His recommendation to the community board was that it recommend the council's property subcommittee reallocate funding up to $40,000 within existing council budgets for the necessary improvements to the jetty, so it would meet the required structural standards.
