Island jetty out of action as repairs made

Vessels wanting to gain access to Ruby Island on Lake Wanaka will have to beach on the island for the next few weeks as the jetty has been removed for maintenance work.

Queenstown Lakes District Council spokesman Campbell Weal said the repairs would centre on corrosion to the underside and bottom rail of the gangway and surface of the pontoon.

A fracture had also been noted within the concrete access stairs and that would be fixed too, he said.

Mr Weal said the jetty would be closed for six to eight weeks from yesterday but vessels would still be able to beach on Ruby Island.

"Commercial operators are likely to be the most affected by the removal of the jetty, [and the] council has advised them in advance of this maintenance work," Mr Weal said.

Council records show the current jetty was commissioned and constructed in 2001-02.

The repairs were estimated to cost about $40,000, Mr Weal said.