The Kawarau River has capacity for more traffic, even with two operators and more boats on the river, the Environment Court heard yesterday.
The hearing in Queenstown on Kawarau Jet's appeal against consent approval for competitor Thunder Jet to operate jet-boat trips on the river had been resumed from last week.
Two witnesses were called by Pru Steven, counsel for Queenstown Water Taxis Ltd, which trades as Thunder Jet, and they were cross-examined by Jim Castiglione, counsel for the appellants Kawarau Jet Holdings Ltd and Clearwater Pursuits Ltd.
In the witness stand, marine safety instructor Katherine McNabb spoke of the capacity on the river.
"The Kawarau River is a broad and sweeping river. There is an abundance of space.
"I see absolutely no reason why all operators would not be safe, provided they follow the existing safety regulations," Ms McNabb said.
"The river has at the moment plenty of capacity for further use," she said.
Judge Laurie Newhook and commissioners David Bunting and John Mills also heard evidence from experienced commercial jet-boat driver Nicholas Hamilton about the capacity on the river.
"I do not think we are near a limit," Mr Hamilton said.
"If Kawarau Jet used its full consented capacity of 16 boats, and Thunder Jets' four boats were added, it would still be within the capacity," Mr Hamilton said.
He also pointed out there had in the past been about 10 operators with 24 to 26 jet-boats on the river, and he said two operators on the river would improve safety, as there would be more boats than the current eight to alert other jet-boat drivers of potential hazards.
Both parties, along with the Queenstown Lakes District Council as the respondent, will call further witnesses in relation to safety issues on the river.
The hearing is expected to continue at least until Friday this week.
