In a surprising turn of events, a consultant planner has recommended the Wanaka Marine Rescue Centre’s (MRC) application for resource consent be refused.

The recommendation, made public in a report last week, came as a surprise to many, including the applicant Coastguard Lakes Wanaka (CWL), as the proposal for a rescue centre has gained significant public support, and its location (Eely Point) and design have already been signed off by the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).

The current proposal “will have more than minor adverse effects on landscape and visual amenity values” and “it is inconsistent with the objectives and policies” of the council’s district plans, consultant Kim Smeaton, a principal planner with Novo Group, said in his report to the independent RMA commissioner Bob Nixon.

CWL president Jonathan Walmisley said the recommendation to refuse consent was disappointing given the Wanaka Community Board suggested the site and the building’s design and landscaping were the result of working closely with QLDC staff. 

The purpose-built rescue centre would provide storage for the CWL’s rescue boat, a members’ training room and kitchenette, and a small storage area which could be used by the harbourmaster. PHOTO: Supplied

The consultant’s report acknowledged that QLDC senior planner Aaron Burt had already confirmed the MRC is appropriate for Eely Point Reserve. 

In his report to the commissioner, Aaron said council approved the lease of the site as well as the scale and design of the proposed building and the landscaping plan; and considers that effects upon the reserve, its function and amenity are minimal, and are addressed by the lease approved under the public process.

The consultant also accepted the proposal will have significant benefits to the wider community in terms of provision for an important emergency service facility. 

He quoted the QLDC harbourmaster, who confirmed that he is strongly in support of the new building. Having a base close to the Lake Wānaka is vital for a speedy response to an emergency and the building will be the control centre for coordinating any marine emergency, the harbourmaster said.

The harbourmaster confirmed Lake Wānaka is by far the busiest lake under QLDC control with up to 3000 boaties on the lake during a normal summer season.

Despite acknowledging the positives associated with the application to build the proposed rescue centre on Eely Point, the consultant said the proposal in its current form does not comply with the Resource Management Act. 

“On the whole, I consider the potential adverse effects of the current proposal are more than minor and are inappropriate, but with amendments to the building and landscape plans, could be sufficiently reduced.”

The suggested amendments range from changing the landscape plan by, amongst other things, replacing kanuka trees with beech trees, removing three shrubs on the northern side of the building and increasing the size of plants, to replacing a sliding door with a single door and window, adding outdoor lighting and marking a mobility parking space.

Jonathan said none of the amendments recommended by the consultant planner were onerous and he didn’t know why the report could not have recommended the consent be granted subject to the conditions being met. 

“It is our intention to comply with the recommendations in regard to landscape and building design,” he said.

The resource consent process was opened to the public earlier this year and received 77 submissions; 75 in support and two opposed. Those who opposed consent made it clear they supported the concept of the MRC but believed its scale and location was inappropriate.

The application for resource consent to construct the MRC on Eely Point Reserve will be heard by RMA commissioner Bob Nixon at the Lake Wanaka Centre later this month (September 17).