If boats and trailers left at Eely Point Reserve aren’t removed by early March, Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) will dispose of them.

Overnight boat parking is not permitted at the reserve and QLDC put out a warning in November last year that boats and trailers that had been left on the reserve long term needed to be removed or they were at risk of being destroyed.

QLDC community services general manager Thunes Cloete said several vessels had been removed by owners over the past two months but a number of them were still there.

“Eely Point Reserve is highly valued by the Upper Clutha community and a particularly iconic public area for recreation and enjoyment,” Thunes said. 

“The abandoned vessels in Eely Point Reserve create hazards and affect our community’s use and enjoyment of the space.”

The council will begin to dispose of boats from March 7 onwards.

Thunes encouraged owners of boats and trailers parked in Eely Point Reserve to remove them before the disposals began.

“If you know someone using this location to store a vessel, please either let them know or contact council,” he said.

Neither boats, trailers, nor cars are allowed to be parked overnight at any location on Eely Point Reserve.

Temporary parking for trailers and cars is only permitted in the reserve while people are out on Lake Wānaka.

PHOTO: Wānaka App