The Hydro Attack tourism venture is seeking approval to build and use a wharf in Queenstown Bay so its semi-submersible 'shark' vessels can continue to speed about Lake Wakatipu.
Hydro Attack Ltd owners Lee Exell and David Lynott want to build the wharf, including a kiosk and public berth, on a site accessed from St Omer Park.
The company, which has been operating vessels from Queenstown’s waterfront since 2013, is appealing a decision by the Queenstown Lakes District Council in 2022 to refuse consent for the proposal.
In legal submissions for Hydro Attack in the Environment Court in Queenstown yesterday, counsel Ben Gresson said subsequent amendments to the proposal included moving the 42m-long structure further away from existing wharves, changing the position of the kiosk and improving public access.
Other businesses previously opposed - Real Journeys, Southern Discoveries and Queenstown Walks -were now in support.
The remaining issues of contention were the effects on the landscape, visual amenity, the recreation values of St Omer Park, and whether the proposal was appropriate under the proposed district plan.
Given the changes, the company’s position was the actual and potential effects were acceptable, Mr Gresson said.
The most noticeable visual effect would be from the neighbouring St Omer Wharf.
However, Hydro Attack consultant landscape planner Ben Espie concluded the overall views and experience of the public would be enhanced given the ‘‘more attractive and inviting nature’’ of the proposed wharf.
Its planning consultant, Blair Devlin, argued the St Omer Wharf had a more ‘‘utilitarian’’ appearance that was less inviting to the public.
‘‘The proposed wharf will replicate the views currently experienced by St Omer Wharf, but in a more inviting, well-designed and comfortable setting.’’
Mr Exell said earlier this month the company was about to face a massive rent hike at its current berth on the council-owned Lapsley-Butson wharf that was financially unsustainable.
A resource consent is one of two hurdles Hydro Attack will have to clear before it can build the wharf.
In 2021, the council declined the company’s request to review the reserve management plan for the bay, which does not allow commercial activity on the proposed wharf site.
Mr Gresson said the council now had the discretion to grant the company a licence to occupy that part of the reserve if the appeal was successful.
The hearing continues today.
