24 October 2006

Splashing about in the Lyall Bay surf will be safer this summer when the bay’s jet ski lane is removed in November.

“Over the years the demand on this popular part of Wellington’s coast, and the range of users, has changed. This has raised safety concerns as jet skiers, surfers and swimmers all compete for space. We were worried that serious injury would result if we did nothing,” Greater Wellington chairperson Ian Buchanan says. 

Over 900 people signed a petition in early April seeking the abolition of the reserved area (jet ski lane). Greater Wellington proposed an amendment to its navigation and safety bylaws in July to make the beach safer by removing the jet ski lane.

“We’ve considered the public submissions and officers’ comments, and we believe that the removal of the jet ski lane is necessary to ensure the safety of all beach users,” Cr Buchanan says.

The amendment will come into force on Monday 13 November.

ENDS

For more information, please contact:

Ian Buchanan
Chairman
Greater Wellington Regional Council
P 04 802 0346

OR

Nigel Corry
Divisional Manager, Environment
Greater Wellington
P 04 384 5708
E nigel.corry@gw.govt.nz